KEEPING TRACK
Dateline December 2011

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS(The Golden Age of Light Music)For full tracklisting, please refer to JIM 189 page 74 >Guild GLCD 5185(78:00) It is highly probable that, since the very inception of the recorded music industry, there have been records specially made for Christmas. Over the years hundreds if not thousands of titles must have been produced in both single and album format, and these have been extremely popular with the record-buying public. For performers and record companies alike, they have been a perennial and very lucrative money-spinner. But just like that famous brand of yeast extract spread, or the even more famous Irish beer, you either love ‘em or hate ‘em! Well now, if you happen to be in the latter category, you might just find this new CD to be the perfect antidote. In keeping with established Guild policy, all of the tracks are non-vocal featuring large orchestras fronted by some of the finest conductors in the business.   The programme consists of fine arrangements of traditional carols and hymns, together with a selection of popular Christmas songs and a couple of other "seasonal" compositions. Much of the material has been taken from two 1958 LPs featuring the conducting and the arranging talents of Percy Faith and Billy Vaughn with their respective orchestras.  They are joined by the orchestras of George Melachrino, Angela Morley, Annunzio Mantovani, and Arthur Fiedler with the Boston ‘Pops’ Orchestra.  With the exception of the Mantovani items, which were issued on British Decca [London in the US], all emanate from US labels [Columbia, Dot, RCA, and Warner Bros.] They were obviously targeted at the enormous North American market; this style of big orchestral production was very popular over there at the end of the '50s. I have not been able to establish whether they were actually released in the UK, or were only available as imports. They nevertheless found their way into the vast collections of David Ades and Alan Bunting; the latter has done his usual superlative job of digital restoration. A further bonus is that all tracks are in stereo. As David’s booklet notes state  " …In the hands of the top arrangers and orchestras assembled on this CD, there is every chance that the discerning listener will discover some new sounds that  add a welcome vibrancy to old familiar friends". I was able to give the album several hearings on a recent lengthy car journey and, in my opinion, this is a very enjoyable compilation and a most worthy addition to the Guild series.Tony Clayden

KT Editor's CD Choice

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT A Celebration of the MGM Film Musical Kim Criswell, Matthew Ford, Sarah Fox, Seth MacFarlane & Curtis Stigers, Maida Vale Singers, The John Wilson Orchestra / John WilsonMGM Jubilee Overture; The Trolley Song; Steppin' Out With My Baby; The Heather On The Hill; Barn Dance (Seven Brides For Seven Brothers); You're Sensational; I Got Rhythm; Singin' In The Rain; An American In Paris – Main Title; Love Is Here To Stay; Well, Did You Evah?; The New Moon (Sequence): One Kiss/Lover Come Back To Me; Broadway Melody Ballet; That's EntertainmentEMI Classics 0288452(77:52)> The much anticipated first album by JW under his new contract with EMI has arrived. Was it worth the wait – it certainly was! A celebration it is right from the start. The overture takes us back to the nostalgic world of the MGM musical and more importantly to the sound of the MGM Studio Orchestra of the 1940's and 1950's. The playing has a zing and pizzazz, which John has evidently instilled into his fine orchestra, and through his skilled re-construction of these wonderful scores. The soloists engaged for this recording are all excellent but special mention should be given to Kim Criswell on her superb performance of the two Judy Garland numbers,The Trolley Song andI Got Rhythm. Curtis Stigers is in suitably wistful mood forLove is here to stay which appropriately follows the Main Title music fromAn >American in Paris. The highlights for me are the two concluding numbers: the penultimate track with Matthew Ford in Gene Kelly mode and then the title track where all the soloists with the Maida Vale Singers take their final bow. The playing and singing on these tracks, as on the whole album, is absolutely electric. The album is also a tribute to the genius of Conrad Salinger (the principle arranger at MGM) and his team including Johnny Green and Lenny Hayton. This is my "Album of the Year" – and many thanks to John Wilson.Mike Crowther

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENTDeluxe Edition Disc 1:as aboveDisc 2 Bonus DVD:The Making of That's Entertainment; Interview with John Wilson; Music Clips: The Heather on the Hill(Matthew Ford), The Trolley Song(Kim Criswell); Singalong with the John Wilson Orchestra: The Trolley Song; I Got Rhythm; Singin' in the Rain; Love is Here to Stay; That's EntertainmentEMI Classics 0288432(40.00) The two discs are contained in a 84-page CD-size glossy hardback book. Although you are not likely to return to the DVD as often as to the CD, I reckon that it and the book are worth the extra £4 or so, not least in the case of the former for John's engaging personality!Peter Burt

Reviews of two more John Wilson releases on page ??

RUSS CONWAY The Hits And More … The Party Pop Stylings of Russ Conway2 CDs:70 tracks incl. Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2); Got A Match; Toby's Walk; More Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2); The World Outside; Love Like Ours; Side Saddle; Pixelated Penguin; Roulette; Trampolina; China Tea; The Wee Boy Of Brussels; Snow Coach; Time To Celebrate; More and More Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2) … /Happy Go Lucky Day; Loch Lomond; The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo; Ma (He's Makin' Eyes At Me); Waiting For The Robert E Lee; Abie, My Boy; Pennies From Heaven; Don't Fence Me In; Easter Parade; Comin' Round the Mountain; It's A Sin To Tell a Lie; The Music Goes 'Round And Around; On The Banks Off The Wabash; April Showers; Isle Of Capri; Silver Dollar; Red Sails In The Sunset …Jasmine JASCD 182(78:22 & 77:10) Pianist and composer, Russ Conway made his first record in 1957 and became an immensely popular pianist/entertainer on radio and TV, frequently playing his own compositions. During 1959 he had his first big hit withSide Saddle, followed byRouletteandChina Doll.By 1961 he had sold 250,000 LPs. Disc 1 of this remarkable mono budget-priced compilation contains all the A and B sides of all his hits, with a few extras. Ten of the 34 tracks are medleys. Disc 2 has 36 tunes suitable for a super singalong. I don't suppose anybody will want to play both these discs straight off but they are ideal to dip into to raise the spirits.Peter Burt

ANDRE KOSTELANETZ & HIS ORCHESTRA On The Air With Lily Pons 20 tracks incl. Carefree; Tales From The Vienna Woods; Ay,Ay,Ay; Chanson De Marie Antoinette; Hymn To The Sun from 'Le Coq D’or': L ‘Invitation Au Voyage; Dancing Doll; Waltz from 'Romeo Et Juliette'; Kiss Me Again; Dreamland Rendezvous … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 856 (74:23) This should have been titled in reverse order as Kosty's wife Lily dominates the proceedings – impassioned soprano sometimes verging on parody! That’s probably because my idea of singing is Peggy Lee, June Christie etc. The few solely orchestral numbers bought back happy memories of my youth spending Sunday afternoons delving through my father’s Kostelanetz 78s, even with unforgiving steel needles sounding pretty good.

On The Air With Ginny Simms. 24 tracks incl. Carefree/That’s For Me; Slowly; I Concentrate On You; I’ve Got You Under My Skin; On The Atchison Topeka And The Santa Fe; In A Monastery Garden; I See Your Face Before Me/ Dancing In The Dark: I Concentrate On You; Full Moon And Empty Arms; It Might As Well Be Spring; The Man I Love … DSOY 858 (76:19). More nostalgic air checks, singer changed, still sounding a little stilted but I enjoyed this more than the Lily Pons as the orchestra gets more of the proceedings. Bonus for me was David Raksin’s composition Slowly – new to me, I’ve always loved his work. Michael Highton deserves high praise for his informative sleeve notes. Paul Clatworthy

MITCH MILLER It's Miller Time! – Come On And Join The Party!2 CDs:59 tracks incl. Song For A Summer Night; Autumn Leaves; Willie Can; March from The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey; Blackberry Winter; Silly Little Tune; Sabrina; Java; Song Of The Sparrow; The Bowery Grenadiers; Lisbon Antigua; The Sleigh …/ Sing Along; Hey Little Baby; Bonnie Eloise; Hey, Betty Martin; I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time; Beer Barrel Polka; Don't Fence Me In; Oriental Polka; Ginny, My Joy; Whistle Stop; Do-Re-Me; Dixie …Jasmine JASCD 167(77:58 & 79:38) As Robert Nickora reminds us in his liner notes, Mitch Miller (1911-2010) was an especially skilled oboist (also English Hornist), an orchestra and choral conductor with Columbia Records, and an executive who guided some of the most popular recording artists of the 1950s, among them Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Mahalia Jackson, Guy Mitchell and Johnnie Ray. He became one of the most successful record producers of all time and was responsible for ten individual discs which hit the million mark: Frankie Laine'sMule Train,That Lucky Old Sun,Jezebel,I Believe, Guy Mitchell'sMy Heart Cries For Youand Tony Bennett'sBecause of Youamong them; and it is said he invented the "Greatest Hits" concept. Earlier in his career he had played in symphony orchestras and chamber groups, and later with Percy Faith on two LPs,'It's So Peaceful In The Country'and'Music Until Midnight'. On the two extremely well-filled compilation discs under review we have a wonderful selection of Mitch's work with his own instrumentalists and singers, including the big hits likeTheYellow Rose of Texas, Tzena,Tzena,Tzena,Meet Mister Callaghan,Under Paris Skies (the movie theme title), andThe Children's Marching Song(from 'The Inn of the Sixth Happiness'). I always associate the sound of this Miller with the French horn (e.g. his backings for Guy Mitchell) and for me a favourite track on the first disc isTira Lira Madeira, in which the horns combine with an insistent drum beat and Stan Freeman's fine harpsichord. Another good example of the horn sound is onGreensleeves. Most of the titles are in mono, being popular singles, but the sound is very acceptable. On Disc 2 there are also tracks from several of Mitch's'Sing Along'and'March Along'LPs. Definitely a most entertaining release at a very fair price and another release to cheer you up. Perfect for that Christmas stocking, I'd say.Peter Burt

TONY MOTTOLA & HIS ORCHESTRA Roman Guitar / Mr. Big24 tracks incl. La Strada; Anna; Arriverderci, Roma; Sorrento; Violetta; Volare … / Danger; Carioca; What's New; Dancing On the Ceiling; I Didn't Know What Time It Was; Carnival Time …Sepia 1174(63:53) This label only occasionally reissues non-vocal albums (I seem to have missed their earlier'Persuasive Percussion') but they are invariably highly entertaining. This one features "the brilliant and legendary guitarist" Tony Mottola (1918-2004). He was a presence on a lot of recordings and had a long association with Perry Como. (He can be heard on the new Jane Morgan disc reviewed below and, quite likely, was on the Mitch Miller discs above). The two albums here were both best sellers – imagine that happening today! The first dozen tracks are all typically evocative Italian numbers that are in his blood.'Mr. Big'(that's Tony, folks) has him performing with Al Caiola and three other guitarists on well-known American songbook standards together with three numbers he composed:Danger(written for the TV series),Carnival TimeandHumorescapade(an adaptation of Dvořák'sHumouresque). The sound is very good and, judging from the extravagant separation, probably comes from the early days of stereo on the celebrated Command label. Apart from an uncharacteristic lack of label and recording date information, Sepia keep up their high booklet standards by providing the original liner notes, which run to eight pages.Peter Burt

PIANO THEMES & RHAPSODIES  21 tracks incl. First Rhapsody; Tango (Albeniz); Liebestraum; Dream of Olwen; Theme from The Story of Three Loves; Warsaw Concerto; Rooftop Rhapsody …Bygone Days BYD 77067 (78:11) This compilation mainly features the pianist Semprini, who is featured conducting the New Abbey Light Symphony Orchestra in ten compositions, and on a further eight tracks he is the soloist with the orchestra of George Melachrino. Two other pianists have a track apiece, both with Melachrino’s Orchestra, namely William Hill-Bowen (Robert Docker'sLegend) and Monia Liter. The latter is the soloist inRhapsody in Blue, which performance suffers from a haphazard clarinet introduction. Apart from that, it’s a delight from beginning to end, with a full, rich acoustic, and Peter Dempsey’s liner note illuminates the music, the composers and the performers.Barry McCanna

NELSON RIDDLE & HIS ORCHESTRA The Joy Of Living & A Riddle of Contrasts2 CDs:58 titles incl. The Joy of Living; Moonglow; Birds Of Paradise; Around The World; There's A Gold Mine In The Sky; "Markham" Theme; Poor Jud Is Daid; All Er Nothin'; Somethin' Special*; I Speak To The Stars; Stowaway; Bonsoir Lisbon*; Midnight Blue … / "The Untouchables"*; Please Remember; Drive-In; Ill Wind; In The Mood; Idle Chatter; Green Leaves Of Summer; Pendulum Song; An Affair To Remember; Make Her Mine; Caravan; Three Little Stars …Jasmine JASCD 166(78:35 & 78:21) Another packed compilation from a label that invariably gives us value for money. Nelson Riddle was an arranger, conductor, composer and trombone player. In the '40s he played with Tommy Dorsey among others. It was, of course, working with Frank Sinatra from April '53 that Nelson became the best-known arranger in Hollywood. He first came to prominence as an arranger when he collaborated with Nat King Cole, and there are eight examples of their work here. Also featured are tracks with Margaret Whiting (4), Betty Hutton (2), The Lancers (2), The Andrews Sisters (4) and The Four Freshmen (1). There are, too, examples of his own compositions includingTing-A-Lay-O,"Pal Joey" Theme andSea of Dreams, as well as those asterisked above. All the tracks are in mono – apart from eight on Disc 2 that are presumably album tracks – and were Capitol releases with the exception of those with the Andrews Sisters for Decca in 1952. Although perhaps not quite so distinctive sounding as Nelson's later work, these discs contain some fine quality material and are to be unreservedly recommended.Peter Burt

DAVID ROSE & HIS ORCHESTRA King Of Strings - The Hits and More … 2 CDs: 55 tracks incl. Holiday For Strings (1955 version); Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing; Holiday For Trombones; Calypso Melody; Swingin' Shepherd Blues; September Song; Autumn Leaves; The Autumn Waltz; September In The Rain; Indian Summer; Blue Autumn; Shine On Harvest Moon … / Portrait Of A Flirt; Paris Oui Oui; The Flying Horse; Vanessa; Zing-Zing Zoom-Zoom; Theme From 'Wings Of Eagles'; Take My Love; Stars Shine In Your Eyes; Love Is Eternal; Summertime In Venice; Bordeaux; Pam Pam … Jasmine JASDCD 597 (78:46 & 79:32) If there has been a better compilation of reissues this year it has yet to come my way! Composer and conductor David Rose was born in London in 1910 but became a US citizen at age four when his parents moved to Chicago, where he attended the Chicago College of Music. In the mid-1930s he went to Hollywood and was MD of a radio network there. He joined the US Air Force and directed their official show, 'Winged Victory', and in 1943 wrote his big hit, Holiday for Strings, the original version of which ends the second disc. It has been said that this piece signaled a revival in light orchestral music and set a fashion for string section writing. He returned to Hollywood as MD of MGM movies and wrote numerous film scores. He recorded many albums in the 1960s and presented and conducted his own concerts at the Pasadena Pops and Hollywood Bowl. He died at Burbank in 1990. This impressive mono selection contains 21 of his own compositions, whose titles are invariably very descriptive of the music (On A Country Road In Switzerland, Parade Of The Clowns, Roman Holiday and A Frenchman in New York, for example), although unfortunately The Stripper is missing. I am intrigued by the marvellous Satan And The Polar Bear. André Previn is featured on his own Like Young and also on Young Man's Lament. The trademark Rose pizzicato is well in evidence throughout these discs. All the tracks, some of which have been provided by RFS members Philip Farlow and Brian Henson, are either 45s or from LPs on the MGM label. The two albums will, no doubt, give Mr. Rose's many admirers much pleasure and, hopefully, attract anybody who appreciates a good tune immaculately played. It is available online at under £7 – that's around 12p a track. Peter Burt

DON SESTA / TROISE MANDOLIERS / JACK SIMPSON Serenade in the Night Don Juan/Serenade in the Night/Napolitana; Evening Star; Don Estas' Corazon; Grinzing; Cupid's Army; Dreamy Serenade; All Through the Night; Santiago Waltz; Schubert's Serenade; Vienna in Springtime; Santa Lucia; Little Valley in the Mountains; Blue Danube; Raymonde Overture; A Girl Like Nina, Tonight (from 'The Queen's Affair'); My Heart is Calling You; Loch Lomond, My Antoinette; In a Sled; Song of the Rose; Moonlight Kisses; Goodnight Vienna; Hungarian Dance no.1 (Brahms); Old Bohemian Town. Cottage Industry Records FBCD282 (75.10) This CD is the result of another collaboration between Frank Bristow in Australia and our own Brian Stringer and, unlike most of the recordings of light music available these days, features speciality combinations rather than conventional light orchestras. I think that many members will be familiar with the name of Troise and his Mandoliers, perhaps less so with Don Sesta's Gaucho Tango Orchestra. There are also several tracks from a combination called the Marimba Serenaders led, we are told, by Jack Simpson, a distinguished exponent of the xylophone and marimba. This recording will appeal to lovers of traditional light music, of the sort that was popular in the 1930s and 1940's – sparkling tangos and novelties with a sprinkling of long established favourites. Some of the titles will not have been heard for decades and this recording gives them a richly deserved lease of life. I particularly enjoyed Cupid's Army. The CD comes with detailed notes about both music and the musicians provided by Brian Stringer and Frank Bristow. Brian Reynolds

Available from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia. Tel: Aus. (03) 9528 3167. E-mail: info@musicfromthe past. com. Website: www.musicfromthepast.com.

TOP DOG – A RETROSPECTIVE OF CLASSIC TV & RADIO THEMES 1960-1982 All tracks are mentioned below De Wolfe DWCR 004 (55.57) This release surely ranks as one of the best TV (& Radio) theme CDs on the market – with all 26 original tracks re-mastered from the session tapes held in De Wolfe’s vast library. Whilst some of the themes have already been released commercially, many are new to CD and two tracks have never previously been issued – not even as library discs. There are three themes from the series ‘Vision On’ which ran from 1964 to 1976: firstly Claude Vasori’s main theme, Accroche-Toi, Caroline; the lesser-known ‘Humphrey the Tortoise' Theme (Merry Ocarina) composed by Pierre Arvay and the well-known ‘Gallery’ Theme, Left Bank II, composed by Wayne Hill. One of the best-known composers of library music, Johnny Hawksworth, composed the famous Thames TV ident (Salute to Thames) and many other television themes; and on this CD alone we can hear Up To Date used as the theme for ‘Man About the House’ (1973-76); Ready to Serve the theme for the BBC series ‘Delia Smith’s Cookery Course’ (1978-9) – a series for which he composed the entire score; Roobarb from ‘Roobarb & Custard’ shown in 1974; and one of the standout tracks, the first series theme from ‘George & Mildred’ (1976). The latter are two of the shortest titles on the CD at less than 40 seconds! The title track, Ivor Slaney’s Top Dog, was used for a BBC Radio comedy, ‘The Men from the Ministry’, which ran from 1962-1977; and his Comedy Hour was the theme for the BBC comedy ‘Here’s Harry’ (later called ‘Harry Worth’) throughout the 60s and 70s. There are three themes by another popular library composer, Jack Trombey. Firstly, Eye Level, the No.1 hit single from 1973 which opens the album and was the theme from ‘Van der Valk’ for its entire run from 1972; and Trombones on Parade used as the theme for Yorkshire TV's ‘Junior Showtime’ from 1969-74. The third contribution is Domino from ‘Never the Twain’ (1981-91). Simon Haseley (aka Simon Park, who conducted the aforementioned Eye Level single both on record and live on ‘Top of the Pops’) is represented by two tracks: Precinct is the gritty theme used from 1972-78 in the Thames TV game show ‘Whodunit’ – hosted by Edward Woodward and later Jon Pertwee – which is a particular favourite of mine; and the theme he composed with Peter Reno used for ‘Crown Court’ (1972-84). This tune, Distant Hills, was actually the B-side of the single Eye Level and was used as the end theme to the weekday ITV series shown in the 70s. Percussionist Reg Wale also contributes Fruity Flutes (used in YTV’s ‘Farmhouse Kitchen’ – 1971-89) and The Mugwamp, the ATV ‘Angling Today' theme (1973-1982). The album also contains strong themes by other composers. Sousa’s original Liberty Bell (arranged by A.W. Sheriff) was used in ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ between 1969 and 1974. It was De Wolfe who provided most of the soundtrack music used in the series. Herbert Chappell’s The Gonk was used as the theme for an ITV schools programme in the 60s called ‘Seeing and Doing’. Wayne Hill’s theme for ‘The Power Game’ won an Ivor Novello award and was recorded as a single on Pye in 1966 by Cyril Stapleton. This CD presents the original which was curiously released many years ago on a promotional Pascall Murray record. Peter Reno (aka Peter Taylor, the in-house composer at Granada) contributes The Greatest Show on Earth used for the ITV series ‘Queenie’s Castle’ between 1970 and 1972. Roy Budd had commercially recorded the theme for ‘Inspector Rose’ for Pye in the '60s but The Odd Man is released here in it’s original form composed by Granada musical director Derek Hilton under his pseudonym, J. Snow. There’s also a theme from French film composer, Georges Delerue – Radioscope – used for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Round Britain Quiz’ since 1947. Henry’s Cat (1982) by John Hyde and Flatrock composed by Willi Andrea, who is session guitarist Billy Bell, was used in ‘The Kids from 47A’. The two remaining tracks are Tonight and Every Night by composer Frank Spencer, who was Hammer’s regular composer until 1952, for ‘Tonight’; and finally, who could forget the end title theme from the early 70s ATV series ‘Timeslip’ – Edward Michael’s Rite De La Terre – Earth, heard here in full. This CD is a sheer delight to listen to and De Wolfe must be congratulated for such a strong and varied track listing – offering some real gems. Whether you’re a fan of music from TV or Radio, or just light musical in general, this is a "must-have"! It’s hard to isolate my favourite tracks as there are so many. Gareth Bramley

'Dance Band Delights'

HARRY ROY 23 tracks incl. Bugle Call Rag; Canadian Capers; Limehouse Blues; Spanish Shawl; Tiger Rag; Twelfth Street Rag; San Sue Strut; Leicester Square Rag … CDB05 (64:43)

JACK HYLTON 23 tracks incl. Black & Blue Rhythm; Ellingtonia; Hylton Stomp; The Selfish Giant; Grasshoppers’ Dance; Morris Dance from Henry VIII; Bolero; Three Bears Suite … CDB06 (78:53)

GERALDO 23 tracks incl. It’s d’Lovely; In Charlie’s Footsteps; My Guy’s Come Back; Concerto for Drums; Rhapsody for Reeds; Taps Miller; Two Moods; Blues in the Night … CDB07 (71:40)

JACK PAYNE & HENRY HALL Jack Payne: 12 tracks incl. Yes Sir, That’s My Baby; Hot and Heavy; Hot Bricks; Lucky Me, Lovable You; Harmonica Harry; Choo Choo; Entrance of the Little Fauns; Henry Hall: 14 tracks incl. Five-Fifteen; East Wind; Thank You, Mr. Bach; The Waltz in Swingtime; Swing Patrol; Here’s to the Next Time… CDB08 (69:54) Four more CDs in this series have been issued by the This England magazine (sales@shopwindow-online.co.uk), in the same instrumental groove. Most of these have been reissued previously, but a good proportion only in vinyl format.

The Harry Roy compilation features some of his best-known tunes, played in his inimitable barrelhouse style. The band’s exuberant approach can have the effect of overshadowing their musicianship, but here they give a good account of themselves, not least in Casa Loma Stomp. Incidentally, since the penultimate track is non-vocal it should be shown as dating from August 1944, not October 1936.

Jack Hylton had a broader approach, as befitted a show band, and as well as hot numbers the selection features arrangements of classical pieces and light music. Strictly speaking, Chaminade’s Pas des Echarpes should be shown as recorded by the Kit-Cat Band, albeit that it was under Hylton’s control. It’s also worthy of note that My Melancholy Baby and Darktown Strutters Ball were arranged by Fletcher Henderson, and feature Coleman Hawkins.

By the late thirties Geraldo had metamorphosed from a faux Latin-American outfit into a smooth-sounding big band, and this is a varied selection which showcases the virtuosity not just of the ensemble, but also of the individual soloists. I’m pleased at the inclusion of Russian Salad by the Geraldo Swing Septet, but wish that its coupling Sea Food Squabble had not been omitted.

The Jack Payne tracks include one of his first recordings, with his Hotel Cecil Dance Orchestra, and the miniature 78 made to publicise his move to Imperial, but most of the remainder are drawn from his Columbia recordings. The stand-out track for me is She’s My Slip of a Girl with Frank Wilson’s Bixian solo. Some (including Syd Colin) have dismissed Henry Hall as a somewhat anodyne bandleader, but the remainder of this CD demonstrates the unfairness of that judgment. Just try out Wild Ride (his own composition) for fast precision section playing, and his versions of Joe Venuti’s Apple Blossoms and J. Russell Robinson’s Eccentric. This would be my pick of the bunch, followed closely by Geraldo. Barry McCanna

ROSEMARY CLOONEY Mixed Emotions Clooney Defined! 4 CD set 115 tracks incl. I Haven't Got A Worry; I Do, I Do, I Do; Lovely Weather For Ducks; Tenderly; Marrying For Love; You're Just In Love; I Could Have Danced All Night; You'll Never Know; In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening; When You Wish Upon A Star; On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe; Over The Rainbow; The Continental, It Might As Well Be Spring; Hello, Young Lovers; Come Rain Or Come Shine; Memories Of You; Beautiful Blue Eyes; I Could Have Danced All Night; It Don't Mean A Thing; If Teardrops Were Pennies; White Christmas; The Best Things Happen While We're Dancing; Sisters (With Betty Clooney); Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me; Gee, I Wish I Was Back In The Army; Mandy; Count Your Blessings … Jasmine JASBOX 27-4 (79:22, 79:47, 78:40, 79:41) Just in time for the Christmas market comes this competively-priced comprehensive compilation of Rosemary's clear, melodically styled singing, chiefly on Columbia, in the 1950s and early '60s. Included are all her major hit singles (Come on-a my house, Botch-a-me; Half as much, Hey there!, This ole house, Mambo Italiano, Mangoset al) with Percy Faith and his Orchestra having the lion's share of the accompaniments throughout but also featuring, among others, the orchestras of Paul Weston, Duke Ellington, Nelson Riddle, Mitch Miller, and the Benny Goodman Trio (including a toothsome Memories of you). There is also Rosie's standout eight track album of Academy Award Winners recorded with Harry James, and 'Hymns From The Heart', a 14-track album with The Ralph Carmichael Singers and Orchestra from MGM Records. Other artists who join Rosie are Guy Mitchell, Thurl Ravenscroft, The Mellowmen, Jimmy Boyd, The Hi-Lo's, and Marlene Dietrich with harpsichordist Stan Freeman (Two old to cut the mustard and Dot's nice donna fight). Listeners will probably also recognize selections from three of her films: 'The Stars Are Singing', 'Red Garters' and 'White Christmas'. This is an outstanding memento of one of the great female singers of the 20th century whose art is timeless. Peter Burt

PERRY COMO At the Supper Club Part 3 29 tracks incl. All The Things You Are; Sweet Lorraine; Your Father's Moustache; Harriet; How Deep Is The Ocean; Just Sittin’ And A Rockin’; Rockin’ Chair; My Melancholy Baby; Here Comes Heaven Again; When You’re Away; Moonbeams; I’m Falling In Love With Someone; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life; Blue Skies … Sounds of yesteryear DSOY 857 (72:01) More from Perry’s stint at the Supper Club* reviewed in a previous JIM, guests Helen Carroll and the Satisfiers, Anne Andre, The Mills Brothers; Kitty Kallen; Jo Stafford and Carol Landis. Recorded between 1945 and 1946. Paul Clatworthy

(* The Chesterfield Supper Club began in December 1944 as a live 15-minute NBC radio programme sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes. Perry initially hosted it five nights a week. During WWII, the broadcasts were transcribed for re-broadcast on Armed Forces Radio Service. KT Ed.)

DORIS DAY My Heart Hurry, It's Lovely Up Here; Daydream; The Way I Dreamed It; Heaven Tonight; My One and Only Love; My Heart; You Are So Beautiful; Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries; Disney Girls; My Buddy; Happy Endings; Ohio Sony 88697927752 (41:39) All her fellow RFS member fans will want this, Ms Day's first studio album of previously unreleased material in nearly two decades. It was recorded from 1951 to 1994 and includes nine tracks from sessions originally produced by her late son Terry Melcher, with her newly recorded spoken introduction to his vocalizing on Happy Endings. I understand that Doris was fully involved with the musical selections for this special release – described by The Daily Telegraph critic as "lush and pure" – which reflect her love of animals and for her son. Peter Burt

Day By Day 60 tracks incl. Secret Love; The Black Hills of Dakota; The Deadwood Stage; No Two People; Love Me or Leave Me; Sentimental Journey; When I Fall in Love; I Can Do Without You; It Had to Be You; On Moonlight Bay; ‘Tis Harry I’m Planning to Marry; The Way You Look Tonight; I Enjoy Being a Girl… Delta 60385 (54:27)(53:19)(58:49) Doris Day has a warm, friendly personality, and those characteristics are reflected in her voice, which is clear and sweet without being cloying. During the course of her long career she has made a great number of songs her own, and many of them are included in this well-remastered budget compilation. Alternatively, you can buy just the first two CDs under the title 'The Best of Doris Day' (Delta 38337) or the first one only as 'With Love from Doris Day' (Delta 6826).

Sings Hollywood & Broadway 40 tracks incl. Cheek to Cheek; That Old Black Magic; Pennies from Heaven; Three Coins in the Fountain; Over the Rainbow; When You’re Smiling; I’ve Grown Accustomed to his Face; Fit as a Fiddle; Let’s Fly Away… Delta 38336 (64:35)(56:05) The first CD draws in large part on two Columbia LPs entitled 'Hooray for Hollywood', which date from 1958/9 and on which the orchestra was that of Frank de Vol, and the second CD is partly based upon a 1960 Columbia LP entitled” 'Show Time' with Axel Stordahl providing the orchestral accompaniment. Although this and the CD package above are budget compilations they boast a “high quality luxury slipcase”, which duplicates the jewel case artwork and which I would happily forego in exchange for more detailed tracklists and liner notes. Barry McCanna

THE FORCES' SWEETHEARTS & HEART-THROBS OF WW2 : The 50 finest 1939-1945 Tracks incl. We'll Meet Again; I'll Be Seeing You; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; Skylark; Serenade in Blue; J'Attendrai; Stardust; Only Forever; When the Lights Go On Again …. Retrospective RTS 4186 (155:04)  This features original mono recordings from both sides of the Atlantic, split evenly between male and female vocalists, including the British-based Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Anne Shelton, Chick Henderson, Denny Dennis, Al Bowlly, Donald Peers and Sam Browne.  Some of the titles reflect the conflict then raging, others are suffused with the bitter-sweet mood of the times. At just over two-and-a-half hours of music, this is a veritable wallow in nostalgia, and as always with reissues from Retrospective presentation is exemplary. Barry McCanna

PEGGY LEE At The Supper Club 29 tracks incl. All The Things You Are; You Was Right, Baby; Waitin’ For The Train To Come In; I’ve Got A Walkie-Talkie; I Don’t Know Enough About You; I Can See It Your Way; I’m Glad I Waited For You; A Reasonable Facsimile Of You: All The Things You Are; Smoke Dreams; You Call Everybody, Darlin’ Love Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere; Love Somebody; Maybe You’ll Be There; Little Jack Frost … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 854 (68:04) Recorded live between 1946 and 1949 switching between the orchestras of Lloyd Shafer and Dave Barbour with guests Helen Carroll and the Satisfyers, The Starlighters, Frankie Lame, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Paul Clatworthy

BETTY MADIGAN Am I Blue? & The Jerome Kern Songbook 29 tracks incl. I Get Along Without You Very Well; I'm A Fool To Want You; I'll Never Be The Same; Love, You Funny Thing; I Miss The Boy; The Lonesomest Girl In Town …/ They Didn't Believe Me; Bill; She Didn't Say Yes; The Song Is You; Smoke Gets In Your Eyes; I Won't Dance; A Fine Romance …Sepia 1177 (77:11) A name new to me and obviously one to conjure with. The label's website tells us that Miss Madigan (who is a bit of an Alma Cogan lookalike) became a musical sensation overnight following her hit recording of the ballad Joey in 1954, included here Evidently she was often seen on American TV and headlined posh supper clubs. She signed for MGM Records and then moved to Coral. Her recordings have been virtually impossible to find on CD, so Sepia have rectified that with these two albums, recorded in 1956 and 1957 respectively, plus five bonus singles of which four made the charts: Always You has a tasty tango backing, and Dance Everyone Dance is especially interesting to me in that it based on one of my favourite pieces, the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila. The Kern numbers are, of course, all classics – Ossie Dales in his liner notes reminds us that They Didn't Believe Me is 97 years old – and all are performed in a good strong musical voice with imaginative arrangements (e.g. the Bolero-like accompaniment to The Folks Who Live) from an orchestra conducted by Dick Jacobs. I have been pleased to make the lady's acquaintance and look forward to hearing more from her. Peter Burt

JANE MORGAN The Ballads of Lady Jane & The Second Time Around The Ballad of Lady Jane; The Riddle Song; Turtle Dove; Molly Malone; Ten Thousand Miles; Kisses Sweeter Than Wine; Scarlet Ribbons; Cotton Eyed Joe; The Foggy, Foggy Dew; I Know Where I'm Goin'; Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies; Greensleeves / The Second Time Around; My Favourite Things; Our Language of Love; Romantica; The Twilight Waltz; The Bells of St Mary's; The Angry Sea; Somebody; Love Is a Simple Thing; Odyssey; I Am a Heart; Why Should I Cry Over You?; Meme s'il arrivait quelque choses; Tete du bois; Fais-toi belle SEPIA 1176 (73:01) We have had to wait over a year for a follow-up to Ms Morgan's previous four well-received CDs on Richard Tay's enterprising label. But the current album – 24 tracks from two LPs remastered in stereo plus three bonus tracks – was well worth waiting for. The first dozen tracks, recorded in 1959/60, demonstrate the singer's versatility with her interpretations of traditional folk songs, and is an absolute delight from first note to last. There is minimal support from the orchestra conducted by Nick Perito with sometimes accompaniment just provided by the guitar of Tony Mottola, harpsipiano and bass. The second half of the album is a 1961 compilation of the singles she had made during the previous 18 months. Romantica was the Italian entry in the 1960 European Song contest, the march-like The Angry Sea is particularly ear-catching and Odyssey has a lovely melody. Jane's fluency in French can be heard on the final three tracks: Tete is from the pen of Gilbert Bécaud who wrote her UK No.1 hit, The Day the Rains Came, and on Fais-toi she sings in harmony with herself. Robin Cherry's remastering and Dominic McHugh's liner notes are as excellent as ever. I hope, like me, you look forward to more of the same from this super songstress who, until Sepia took her up, was so incredibly ignored. Peter Burt

FELICIA SANDERS I Wish You Love & That Certain Feeling 24 tracks incl. I Wish You Love; Said I To My Heart, Said I; If You Go; I'm Through With Love; Warm All Over; Lonely Town …/ It Never Was You; Dancing In The Dark; Music, Maestro, Please; A Woman's Love Is Never Done; Rabbit At Top Speed; I Happen To Like New York … Sepia 1175 (76:44) Miss Sanders was only aged 53 when she died of cancer in 1975. 22 years earlier she had a No.1 hit with The Song from Moulin Rouge with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. I understand that the two LPs here, from 1960 and 1958 respectively, have long been sought after by her fans. She performed mainly in nightclubs and cabaret and was much admired by other singers. She had an attractive rather seductive voice and this disc is a pleasurable listen with a number of unfamiliar songs. I especially enjoyed Cole Porter's I Happen to Like New York. Irving Joseph is her MD throughout and also wrote all the arrangements on 'That Certain Feeling'. Robin Cherry's remastering is again exemplary. Peter Burt

JO STAFFORD At the Supper Club Part 3 32 tracks incl. It’s Only A Paper Moon; Come Back To Sorrento; My Guy’s Come Back; Tampico; Give Me The Simple Life; Thou Swell; I’m Always Chasing Rainbows; Catfish Take A Look At That Worm; Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds; Storybook Romance; 0l’ Man River; When Your Lover Has Gone; I May Be Wrong; I Don’t Know Enough About You; You Always Hurt The One You Love … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY851 (75:49) More of the previously reviewed Jo Stafford sets, this time featuring Lloyd Shaffer and his orchestra, Paul Weston and his orchestra, Helen Carroll and The Satisfyers, The Starlighters, and guests: Woody Herman, Smiley Burnette, Phil Moore Trio and the Mills Brothers. Paul Clatworthy

THE STARGAZERS Plus … 30 tracks incl. Sugar Bush; The Happy Wanderer; Twenty Tiny Fingers; Hey There; Hernando’s Hideaway … This England C135 (69:15) You have only to play this compilation to be transported back to a more innocent time. The tracks radiate good cheer, and the themes include some of those silly songs that were all the vogue then (can you imagine Feet Up, Pat Him on the Po-Po or Close the Door catching on today?). The first 19 tracks are devoted to the Stargazers, the remainder to The Johnson Brothers and The Keynotes (who back Benny Lee & Petula Clark on Two Lips, and Dave King on Memories are Made of This). Accompaniments include Nat Temple, Syd Dean, Johnny Gray, Malcolm Lockyer, Harry Roy, Johnny Douglas and Roland Shaw. Barry McCanna

SARAH VAUGHAN It’s Magic 57 tracks incl. My Tormented Heart: Deep Purple; My Reverie; Whatever Lola Wants; And This is My Beloved; Maybe it’s Because; Misty … Jasmine JASCD 678 (78:53 & 78:54) This generous compilation spans the fifties, and contains Sarah Vaughan’s hit recordings for Columbia and Mercury. She had a quite extraordinary voice, richly-textured and wide-ranging but without any need to strain for the high register. Her talents are on display throughout this superb set, which is worth buying not only for her classic vocals, but also for the accompaniments, which include the orchestras of Percy Faith, Paul Weston, Joe Lipman, Hugo Peretti and Hal Mooney, as detailed in the tracklist. Barry McCanna

MARGARET WHITING There Goes That Song Again! - The Songbook and the Legacy 4 CD set: 113 tracks incl. That Old Black Magic; Moonlight in Vermont; Far Away Places; Slipping Around; It Might As Well Be Spring; Guilty; A Tree In The Meadow…The Gypsy In My Soul; Sentimental Journey; Let's Fall In Love; Waltz To The Blues; Hit The Road to Dreamland; It Might As Well Be Spring; Like Someone In Love…Nobody But You; Time After Time; You're An Old Smoothie; If I Had You; Along with Me; Dream Peddler's Serenade; Solid As A Rock…There Goes That Song Again; Passé; Beware My Heart; Old Devil Moon; Someone To Watch Over Me; (We've Got A) Sure Thing; Ain't That Just Like A Man … Jasmine JASBOX 26-4 (78:20, 79:49, 78:20 & 79.39) Miss Whiting was a class act and rightly claimed by the label as one of the most respected pop singers of the 20^th century. Here is a follow-up to what I understand was her earlier highly successful box set, 'My Ideal – The Definitive Collection' (JASBOX 17-4), which I missed, and is another great compilation. It includes many tracks appearing on CD for the first time as well as rare items and her million sellers re-recorded in stereo. Featured are her collaborations with, among others, Glen Campbell (he plays guitar on Let's Go to Church), Bill Lee (Baby, It's Cold Outside), trumpeter Billy Butterfield, and Jack Smith. There is a stellar line-up of conductors – some probably also being responsible for the orchestrations: Lou Busch (her husband from '50 to '53), Ralph Carmichael, Frank Comstock, Frank DeVol, Russ Garcia, Jerry Gray, Pete King, Johnny Mandel, Skip Martin, Marty Paich, Nelson Riddle, Milton Rogers, Pete Rugulo, Freddie Slack, Billy Vaughn, and Paul Weston. I have greatly enjoyed listening to these discs and reading Robert Nickora's extensive notes in the accompanying 12-page booklet. If you only want a single disc selection of this superior singer's work, please see Back Tracks. Peter Burt

BASEMENT JAXX Vs. METROPOLE ORCHESTRA. Battlement Jaxx; Red Alert; Raindrops; Mozart’s Tea Party; Bindo Bango; Hey U; Lights Go Down; Violin Solo; If I Ever Recover; Do Your Thing; Where’s Your Head At; Good Luck; Drill Loops; Hush Boy; Samba Magic. Atlantic Jaxx recordings (62:52) I’ve been a devoted fan of the Metropole since the fifties, then on the Paxton label under the name Dolf Van Der Linden. I also try to kid myself I’m still young, liking both dance and soul music by doing the occasional review in a mail order magazine The Soul Survivor. I can’t imagine how this will be catalogued – 71 players and a chorus of 16. A mixture of orchestral, jazz, voices (almost operatic in places), and a live audience revelling in all the excitement without spoiling the sounds. It’s a spellbinding album full of musical scope and emotional power, something for most musical tastes. If you only like one genre this may not fit the bill; as an emotionally infused mixture of sounds it will intrigue and fascinate anyone sampling it. Paul Clatworthy

NAT GONELLA The Early Recordings Featuring Nat Gonella & His Trumpet with vocals, Lew Stone & The Monseigneur Band Roy Fox & His Band I Can’t Believe You’re In Love With Me; I Heard; Rockin’ Chair; When You’re Smiling; Sing; That’s My Home; Stormy Weather: Nobody’s Sweetheart; Georgia On My Mind; Sweet Sue Just You; Moon Country; Troublesome Trumpet; Carolina; I Can’t Dance / (with Roy Fox) Whispering; Oh! Mo’nah; Jig Time; Georgia On My Mind; You Rascal You; Corrine Corrina; Kickin’the Gong Around; How’m I Doing; (with Lew Stone) Junk Man Blues; Lying In The Hay; Look What I’ve Got; Lazy Rhythm; Lazy Bones; Nagasaki; Blue Jazz; White Jazz; Eadie Was A Lady: Tiger Rag; Milenberg Joys; Emaline; That’s A Plenty; Isle Of Capri; Miss Otis Regrets; Judy; The Continental. Sounds of Yesteryear DOUBLE DS0Y859 (39:57 & 73:01) Traditional jazz from the thirties – many of the titles not having seen the light of day since! Paul Clatworthy

BENNY GOODMAN AFRS Shows Volume 7 (1946) After You’ve Gone; Pity The Poor Lobster: St Louis Blues: Prelude In C Sharp Minor; The Sheik Of Araby; King Porter Stomp; If You Were The Only Girl In The World; Hora Staccato; Warsaw Concerto; Honeysuckle Rose; I Know That You Know. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 852 (60:50) Interspersed with comedy spots by Victor Borge, Don Wilson, Edward G Robinson and Charlie Cantor, the music tracks use both orchestra and sextet. Paul Clatworthy

THE FRANK GRIFFITH BIG BAND Holland Park Non-Stop 12 tracks incl. Oh You Crazy Moon; Strollin'; Baby Won't You Please Come Home; Body And Soul; These Foolish Things … Hep 2005 (66:48) This compilation is a no-nonsense album of loud brassy jazz, played with passion by the musicians. That said, I have personally never heard of Frank Griffith (he is an American jazz activist who is Director of Performance in the School of Arts at Brunel University in London) but the band is absolutely professional and for fans of the genre it will be a pleasant experience of really well-played music. There are three vocals included, all well performed by Tina May. The recording engineers have excelled on this CD and the recording throughout is superb. If you are a jazz fanatic this recording is undoubtably worth a “spin”. Roger Chantler

TOM HARRELL The Time Of The Sun The Time Of The Sun; Estuary; Ridin’ The Open Door; Dream Text; Modern Life; River Samba: Cactus; Otra. Highnote HCD7222. (62:17). Tom continues his consistently inventive music-making composing all titles and soloing on both trumpet and flugelhorn, backed by the same five piece who have been with him on the last three CDs, all masters of their instrument. The title track uses the musical harmonies of the magnetic field surrounding the sun, cleverly captured by scientists from America and the UK. I suppose it could be called a gimmick but merged with the other instruments the sound is arresting. Paul Clatworthy

ANDRĖ PREVIN Four Classic Albums 35 tracks Avid AMSC 1042 (159:57) Somehow Avid has managed to shoehorn four complete albums into two CDs. The earliest album is 'Collaboration', which and dates from 1954 and appears to be monaural. It features André and Shorty Rogers in a somewhat gimmicky formula alternating leadership of a group of nine. The three remaining albums are far more straightforward. 'Pal Joey' and 'West Side Story' date from October 1957 and August 1959 respectively, when André’s Pals were Shelly Manne and Red Mitchell; and for the November 1958 'King Size' Frankie Capp was on drums. Sound level is a bit on the low side, which is not a problem unless you're shuffling CDs. Barry McCanna

GEORGE SHEARING The Blind Genius (of) 26 tracks incl. Guilty; How’s Trix?; Nothing but D Best; So This is Cuba; Strolling; Bop, Look & Listen … This England C137 (76:59) This follows hard on the heels of Retrospective’s recent tribute album, and eleven of the tracks are duplicated. Even if you’ve bought the first it is still worth considering, because it fills in some of the gaps, including two 1941 numbers with Hatchett’s Swingtette: Wrap Yourself in Cotton Wool has a vocal by Billie Campbell, and Dorothy Carless sings Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat. Barry McCanna

CAN-CAN Original Soundtrack 24 tracks Delta 6820 (62:55) This budget reissue presents the eleven numbers from the film sung by Frank Sinatra, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jordan and Shirley MacLaine. This was not one of Cole Porter’s best scores, and the quality of the vocalists is variable. My preference is for the second half of the compilation, which presents Nelson Riddle’s separate instrumental arrangements. There’s not much of a gap between tracks, and the absence of a liner note is regrettable. Barry McCanna

NOËL COWARD A Talent to Amuse 22 tracks incl. Josephine; Sail Away; Uncle Harry; Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Matelot … Bygone Days BYD 77069 (77:02) This comes hard on the heels of Retrospective’s double album (RTS 4168), with which it duplicates four tracks, and needs to be viewed with some caution. Three of the tracks (Twentieth Century Blues (Al Bowlly), Regency Rakes, and The Stately Homes of England) are not sung by the "Master"; the opening Coward Hits medley and the last seven tracks all come from the celebrated 1955 Las Vegas concert. None of this is apparent from its cover, but if you’re aware of that before you buy it you shouldn’t be disappointed. Barry McCanna

MUSIC FOR REMEMBRANCE The Band of the Irish Guards / D.O.M. Lieut. Col. M G Lane 28 tracks incl. Heart of Oak; A Life on the Ocean Wave; Red, White & Blue; Great Little Army; Old Comrades; RAF March Past; Boys of the Old Brigade; Abide With Me; Eternal Father Strong to Save; Rule Britannia; Isle of Beauty; Nimrod; Solemn Melody; O God Our Help in Ages Past; March Past (Medley) … Bandleader BNA5014 (74:23) This is emphatically not a new release, being recorded way back in the late 1980's at CBS Studios in London, but one I have only recently caught up with. Included on this brilliantly recorded disc is much of the music performed at both the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph Ceremony on Remembrance Sunday. Valuable to have in itself but what adds greatly to the appeal here is no less than a 17-minute medley in march tempo of popular songs of the two World Wars. This includes It's a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, There'll Always Be an England; Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major, Wish Me Luck (twice!), Beer Barrel Polka, Lili Marlene, etc. It is the music played as various contingents of veterans march past The Cenotaph at the end of the Act of Worship and, if you are watching the event on TV, is largely drowned out by the continuous drone of the non-stop commentary. A moving, heart warming CD. First rate! Roger Hyslop

THE MUSIC OF THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS 32 tracks incl. A Foggy Day in London Town; Salamander; Sunset; Forming Corps Bugle Calls; Sugar & Spice … Specialist Recording Company SRC140 (72:18) The RLC is by far the largest corps in the British Army, being founded in April 1993 and absorbing five different corps including the Royal Corps of Transport and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, thus inheriting a rich heritage of military music, some of it on display here. A number of the marches are of comparatively recent origin, many new to me, and all the more welcome for that. Lion, Sword and Crown is an impressive piece adopted as the Corps slow march in 2010, while Roger Swift's Royal Celebration contains a fine dignified and stately trio tune as befits the title. Terry Kenny is a superb composer of tuneful, foot-tapping marches and two fine examples are to be found here: Ship to Shore, with its echoes of All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor, and Air Despatch. In complete contrast On the Flip Side, written in swing style, features a saxophone solo (Musn. Anthony Kitchen) whilst the Gershwin number, suitably atmospheric, shows how quickly the band can transform itself into an authentic sounding "big band" demonstrating the remarkable versatility of military musicians. What makes this new disc particularly appealing is its generous salute to British light music by including Sidney Torch's descriptive London Transport Suite and Montague Phillip's charming, evocative if more sedate Surrey Suite – we are not exactly over endowed with recordings of either works. Appropriately the disc ends with On Parade by Albert Elms, which was adopted as the Regimental March of The RLC upon its formation. The recording was made in the Aldershot Royal Garrison Church that allows full, well detailed sound although a little discreet reverberation would have avoided the somewhat abrupt cut-off in sound at the end of each track. However this is a minor quibble and Director of Music, Major Philip Stredwick, and his excellent band are to be congratulated on an unusually interesting programme, well executed and deserving of the widest circulation. Roger Hyslop

SOUSA Music For Wind Band · 9 The Royal Norwegian Navy Band / Keith Brion ; Sarah Oving (Violin) From Maine to Oregon; The Charlatan – Overture; Flags of Freedom March; Nymphalin; The Dwellers of the Western World – Suite; Chris and the Wonderful Lamp:The Man Behind the Gun; The Lily Bells; The Chantyman's March; When My Dreams Come True – Fantasy; U.S. Field Artillery March; Harmonica Wizard March; University of Illinois March Naxos 8.559396 (57:31) For this release in this notable series of recordings of Sousa's complete wind band music Naxos and Keith Brion have forsaken the Royal Artillery Band after eight volumes, taken a trip across the North Sea and engaged The Royal Norwegian Navy Band. Originally founded in 1820 and currently with some 29 musicians it's a smaller ensemble than the nearly 50 strong RA Band but that seems not to be a drawback here and is certainly not particularly evident in the glorious sounds produced for this recording. As will be gleaned form the details at the top of this review almost all the contents can be considered rarities although anybody with some knowledge of the American military may recognize the U.S. Field Artillery March as the official march of that nation's army. Intriguingly this compilation includes a rare violin solo by Sousa, Nymphalin, a salon piece dating from 1880 and beautifully played by Sarah Oving. The 16-minute Dwellers Suite is a musical depiction of the three major races who occupied America: The Red, The White and The Black Man. Notable also is the late fantasy When My Dreams Come True, a medley based upon popular tunes of the day but somewhat implausibly including He's Going to Marry Yum Yum from 'The Mikado' ….. I could go on but that might be risking the KT Editor's ire in taking up too much of his valuable space! Suffice to say, given splendid performances and recording, this disc earns a well deserved commendation. Roger Hyslop

BRAHMS / MENDELSSOHN Violin Concertos Henryk Szeryng ; Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam / Bernard Haitink Newton Classics 8802053 (70:06) Together with his illustrious contemporaries, Arthur Grumiaux and Salvatoré Accardo, Szeryng was one of the leading virtuosi on the much missed Philips label whose valuable back catalogue is now emerging principally on Decca but also here on the recently introduced Newton Classics label. This is a reminder of Szeryng's outstanding artistry in two staples of the violin concerto repertoire captured in glorious rich analogue sound from the mid-1970's. Anyone with a passion for superlative fiddle playing and a breathtaking purity of tone should seriously consider this outstanding disc. Roger Hyslop

ERIC COATES CONDUCTS ERIC COATES with The Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra of London & Symphony Orchestra London Suite; London Again Suite; The Three Elizabeths – Suite; Four Centuries – Suite; Three Bears – A Phantasy; By the Sleepy Lagoon – Valse Serenade Heritage HTCD 222 (79:59) The English composer, the redoubtable Dame Edith Smythe, whilst rehearsing the Queen's Hall Orchestra in 1910 greeted Eric Coates (playing in the viola section) to his delight: “Good morning Mr Coates, the gentleman who writes tunes". And what tunes we have, recorded in 1940, ’49 and ’53, on this new album from Heritage with signature music from ‘In Town Tonight’, ‘The Forsyte Saga’ and, of course, ‘Desert Island Discs’. Eric Coates brings a lightness of touch to his music and the orchestras respond with playing of vitality and sheer joy. Special mention must be made of the light brisk tempo to Covent Garden and Oxford Street, whilst in contrast we have the suitably elegiac playing of Langham Place and the beautiful oboe solo in Elizabeth of Glamis when Coates pays his own tribute to Delius. As an "encore" we have By the Sleepy Lagoon with wonderful piano continuo and warm muted trumpets evoking not only tropical beaches but swaying palms from an Edwardian Palm Court – lovely. Even if you have these titles in your collection I am sure there is room for this magical album from the composer himself. Mike Crowther

DELIUS BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis with Tasmin Little (violin) and Paul Watkin (cello) Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto; Double Concerto Chandos  CHSA 5094(68:59)With Delius you get what it says on the tin – tuneful music in an unmistakable manner. Purists on both sides of the serious/light music divide cannot agree exactly where he fits in but does it matter?Edmund Whitehouse

HAYDN Symphonies Nos. 94 & 100, BRAHMS Haydn Variations Vienna Philharmonic & London Symphony Orchestras / Monteux "Irresistible" said the Stereo Record Guide when the original RCA LP of the Haydn 'Surprise' and 'Clock' symphonies was released in 1959 – a genial conductor's take on a genial composer's work – and later when it appeared on Decca's Eclipse label it was described as "one of the finest bargains in the symphonic catalogue". Recording producer was the celebrated John Culshaw. A year earlier Gramophone called the Brahms "thrilling". (As an aside: it was an 86-year-old Pierre Monteux who insisted on a 25-year contract with the LSO). All three pieces still sound good in their CD incarnation and at budget price are a good introduction for light music devotees to the classical repertoire. Edward Trub

LOUIS FERDINAND HÉROLD Piano Concertos Nos. 2, 3 & 4 Jéan-Frédérick Neuburger (piano) Sinfonia Varsovia / Herve Niquet Mirare MIR 127 (61:00) In this digital age it is quite amazing how the record companies seem able to dig out from obscurity the works of composers which have either never been heard before or which have largely been forgotten. The excellent Romantic Piano Concertos series launched by Hyperion several years ago and which has continued to grow into a library of over 50 CDs of neglected works is a case in point. Here, courtesy of the centre of French romantic music Palazetto Bru Zane, a French research and educational foundation, comes three previously unrecorded piano concerti by Hérold, more popularly associated with La Somnambule and La Fille Mal Gardée ballets and various operas. He hid his concertos away during his lifetime so that they would not distract from what he regarded as his more successful works. The music, as one would expect, is extremely melodious and infectious with various catchy tunes. The pianist is very accomplished, if perhaps a tad heavy handed at times. The piano sound is very lifelike and the accompanying orchestra very polished. Unfortunately the manuscript for the first piano concerto was discovered to be so mutilated that it was impossible to use to make a performance, so hence the rather shorter than average playing time of the CD. However what is provided is extremely enjoyable. The CD comes with a glossy bookfold case rather than the usual standard plastic case, and is well provided with illustrations and notes regarding the music and the performers. The CD is available from the usual online retailers. Brian Stringer

HERRMAN Danish National Symphony Orchestra Moby Dick; SinfoniettaChandos CHSA 5095(63:24)This is the American composer Bernard Herrman, not the conductor of the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra, who has just had released a double CD of lost recordings, more of which at a later date. This is definitely not light music but if you like a dramatic edge to your films then it might be right up your street, especially if you like the original sounds which eventually surfaced in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.Peter Worsley

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Seattle Symphony/Gerard SchwarzCapriccio espagnol; Overtures to: 'May Night'; 'The Tsar's Bride'; 'The Maid of Pskov'; Overture on Russian Themes; Dubinushka; Russian Easter FestivalNaxos 8.572788(67:05) Anyone with a zest for brilliantly orchestrated and colourful music bursting with melodies will surely want this release showcasing the composer's not inconsiderable compositional talents. All this engaging and thoroughly entertaining music is played to the manner born by the orchestra, formed in 1903, under maestro Schwarz – and with full vivid recordingthis is a "dazzler" of a disc, worth every penny of its very modest asking price.Roger Hyslop

SOUNDS OF THE SEA Various artists classicfm CFMD21(73:51 & 69:38) Apart from pieces by the out-and-out classical composers, like Mendelssohn, Khachaturian, Debussy, Britten, Rimsky-Korsakov, Elgar, Ravel, Bax and Wagner, this 21 track 2-CD set of music inspired by the sea has Henry Wood'sFantasia on British Sea Songs: Sailor's Hornpipe, Ronald Binge'sSailing Bysung by a male voice choir, Einaudi'sLe Ondeplayed by Myleen Klass, Sullivan'sPirates of Penzance Overture, McCunn'sThe Land of the Mountain and the Flood, Coates'By the Sleepy Lagoonfrom the Frank Chacksfield Orchestra,Stanford'sSongs of the Sea: Homeward Bound, the hymnEternal Father, Strong to Save, andRule Brittania!It makes for good varied listening with the added incentive to buy that at least £1.84 of its modest cost will go to the RNLI.Edward Trub

John Wilson conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

JOHN IRELAND with John Lenehan (piano) Piano Concerto; Legend; First Rhapsody; Pastoral; Indian Summer; A Sea Idyll; Three DancesNaxos 8.572598(77')

MADE IN BRITAINfor tracks see reviewAvie 2194(72')

John has already recorded a CD of Ireland’s music with the Hallė Orchestra, (Hallė CD HLL 7523, see JIM 183), and he is a great admirer of this composer, whose music he has described to me as "amazing". ThePiano Concerto in E flat (1930) is a work which I feel needs at least a couple of hearings in order to get to know it. It was originally dedicated to Ireland’s protégé, Helen Perkin, with whom he had a relationship, but when that broke down and she married another he subsequently withdrew the dedication. It became one of the composer’s most successful works, being performed over time by, amongst others, Clifford Curzon and Artur Rubenstein. Combining virtuosic piano writing with sparkling orchestration, it sometimes makes use of muted trumpets; this being suggested to Ireland by the famous dance band leader Jack Payne. There are at times some melodic and harmonic echoes of the French composer Maurice Ravel. Helen Parkin also gave the first performance ofLegend at the Queen's Hall in 1934. This is altogether a very different work, a dark brooding evocation of an ancient landscape. It tells the story of a strange experience the composer had whilst walking on his beloved Sussex Downs in which he imagined he saw a group of children dancing dressed in archaic white clothing. In addition to these two big orchestral pieces, the CD contains two extended compositions and some shorter works for solo piano, two of which are world premiere recordings The pianist on all the tracks is John Lenehan, whose diverse career has seen him working in both jazz and classical genres, and who has more than 60 CDs to his credit. John Ireland has always unfairly suffered from being rather overshadowed by some of his contemporaries. His music really deserves a wider audience; hopefully, this new budget-priced CD (together with the previous Halle recording) will help in that regard.

In the second new CD, which was released in early October at full price, John and the RLPO  perform what is described in the liner notes as "A Harvest of English Music";  all the works were written at the end of the 19th / beginning of the 20th centuries. The programme opens with the Scapino Overture by William Walton, which positively ‘fizzes’ along under John’s baton. This is followed by some gentler music in the shape of two English Idyllsby George Butterworth.  Had this composer not met his tragic end on the Somme in 1916, I am convinced that he would have undoubtedly become a second Ralph Vaughan Williams in the canon of English music. Vaughan Williams himself is represented on the disc by two works:  the very popular The Lark Ascending (with a lovely performance by violinist James Clark), and the English Folk Song Suite.  Although the latter was originally written for military band, it is more familiar in the orchestral arrangement by RVW's pupil Gordon Jacob heard here. In the first movement (Seventeen Come Sunday) John strangely omits the repeat of the tune Dives and Lazarus. I cannot imagine that this was done for space-saving reasons; perhaps he feels that a repeat is superfluous! Arnold Bax’s The Happy Forestis a little-known work which was originally written for piano and orchestrated later. It depicts an Arcadian scene of cavorting shepherds and satyrs, with a sumptuous string tune in the romantic central section. The Walk to the Paradise Garden is taken from the opera 'A Village Romeo and Juliet', and is probably amongst the most well-known pieces by Frederick Delius. The Paradise Garden in question is in fact the name of a pub! Sir Edward Elgar’s Salut d’Amourneeds no introduction; it was written as an engagement present for his wife-to-be, Caroline Alice Roberts. Elgar received a fee of two guineas for the solo piano version as well as the violin/piano and full orchestral arrangements; whilst his publishers must have grown considerably richer such has been the enduring popularity of this composition. The final item is theNell Gwyn Overture by Edward German, who became musical director of the Globe Theatre in London at the age of only 26; the boisterous outer sections of this piece are contrasted by a more reflective episode incorporating the folk tune Early One Morning. For those who enjoy English music, this CD is warmly recommended.Tony Clayden

A SONG REMEMBERED Ballads and Piano Solos by Eric Coates Peter Dempsey (tenor) Guy Rowland (piano) 27 tracks incl. Pierrette's Song; Three Burns songs; Dream o' Nights; By the North Sea; An Elizabethan Lullaby; The Stars Above; Through All the Ages; Since Yesterday; Song of the Wild; In Town; The Gates of If-Ever; A Song Remembered; Stars and a Crescent Moon; A House, Love Made For You and Me; I Looked For You; Ship of Dream … EC2* (69:34) This is the latest of Peter Dempsey's recorded revisiting of the ballad repertoire and the second such devoted to Eric Coates, who was as much a songwriter as a purveyor of light orchestral music. Of course many of these songs have a family likeness, but there is variety here. We have three Robert Burns settings, unpublished and previously commercially unrecorded, as are 18 of the tracks. Coates' Who is Sylvia? bears comparison with Schubert's famous version. There are "character songs" like The Widow of Penzance and Stone-Cracker John, Coates' first setting of Fred Weatherly, represented four times on the CD. The best known tracks are the title song and Homeward to You (both with words by Royden Barrie) and the heartbreakingly lovely Green Hills o' Somerset . Repertoire covers the years 1906 (the likely composition date of the Burns) to 1954 (The Scent of Lilac). Mr. Dempsey's ringing delivery and outstandingly clear diction do much for the album, and I like Mr. Rowland's positive accompaniments; his solo, Three Lyric Pieces (1931: the last a lilting Valse), a rare example of a Coates original piano item. Coates admirers should not be without this. Philip L Scowcroft

* Available at £9.95 from Mr P Dempsey, 44 Victoria Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwicks B50 4AR

Noted by Wilfred Askew

LES BAXTER Four Classic Albums : South Pacific; African Jazz: Jungle Jazz; Wild Guitars Real Gone Jazz RGJCD215 (121:43) 2-CD set Eight Classic Albums (Vol. 1) : Music Out Of The Moon; Perfume Set To Music; Arthur Murray's Favourites: Tangos; Waltzes; Ritual Of The Savage; Festival Of The Gnomes; Thinking Of You; The Passions Real Gone Jazz RGJCD261 (206:31) 4-CD set

BUDDY COLE Hot And Cole : The Swingin' Buddy Cole at the Organ 12 tracks incl. The Dipsy Doodle; Lullaby of the Leaves; Idaho; Amor; Opus One; I'll Remember April… Tartare T-8032 (32:23) Original Warner Bros. album

CARL DAVIS The Beatles For Orchestra Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Davis 20 tracks incl. And I Love Her; Eleanor Rigby; Yellow Submarine; Yesterday; Blackbird; Norwegian Wood; The Fool on the Hill; A Day in the Life … Carl Davis Collection CDC 012 (69:27)

THE FIFTY GUITARS OF TOMMY GARRETT Border Town Bandido & Down Mexico Way 24 tracks incl. Love Me with All Your Heart; The Magnificent Seven; El Paso; Tangerine; Tico-Tico; Say Si Si; Cascada; Adelita …Garrett Music Enterprises GME1019 (59:52)

MAURICE JARRE Villa Rides! & El Condor (Soundtrack) 24 tracks Emarcy 2771362 (76:40) 'Villa' originally Dot, 'El' 1st release.

ALFRED NEWMAN A Certain Smile : Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2-CD set 39 tracks La-La Land Records LLL CD 1178 (54:04 & 44:41) Limited to 2,500 units

ANDRĖ PREVIN QUARTET Previn’s Touch ‘Let’s Get Away From It All’ (1956) 13 tracks incl. It happened in Sun Valley; Island in the West Indies; Honolulu; Sidewalks of Cuba … ‘Hollywood at Midnight’ 12 tracks incl. Invitation; Laura; You are too beautiful; My foolish heart … Fresh Sound FSR-CD-551 (77:58) Two U.S. Decca LPs.

ANDRĖ PREVIN and DAVID ROSE Like Young : Secret Songs For Young Lovers 12 tracks incl. Blame it on my youth; You make me feel so young; Last night when we were young; A year of youth; Too young to go steady; Love is for the very young … Hallmark 709472 (36:04)

Like Blue 12 tracks incl. The blue room; Serenade in blue; Little girl blue; The blue subterranean; Blue, turning grey over you; Born to be blue … Hallmark 709682 (33:38)

Two classic M.G.M. mono recordings on a super-budget label.

ROLAND SHAW & HIS ORCHESTRA James Bond In Action : Themes for Secret Agents CD1: 24 Bond Themes CD2: Spy Thrillers – 13 tracks incl. Casino Royale; The Ipcress File; The Saint; The Avengers; I Spy; Our Man Flint; Peter Gunn; Wednesday's Child … Cherry Red – Poker DECKCD2 007 (107:20) Original Decca Phase 4 recordings

KAI WARNER The Fantastic Sound Of Kai Warner His Orchestra & Singers 26 tracks incl. Whispering; Flamingo; My Prayer; Sally; Canadian Sunset* ; Melody Fair*; Love is Here to Stay; Show Me the Way to Go Home …(* with Tommy Reilly) Universal 5322803 (71:15) Original Polydor tracks 1966-1970.

JOHN WILLIAMS Cavatina : The Complete Fly and Cube Recordings : 2 CDs Disc 1: 19 tracks incl. Bach Changes; Theme from Z; Cavatina; Spanish Trip; Nuages; Sarabande; New Sun Rising, Pomegranite … / Disc 2: 18 tracks incl. The Height Below; Horizon; The Swagman; Sheep May Safely Graze; Travelling; The River God; Romanza … Salvo SALVODCD 215 (127:11)

NANCY WILSON How Glad I Am / Gentle Is My Love ‘How Glad’ (1964) 11 tracks incl. The grass is greener; The boy from Ipanema; Don’t rain on my parade; People; West Coast Blues; Quiet nights … ‘Gentle’ (1965) 11 + 3 bonus tracks incl. Who can I turn to; My one and only love; More; Time after time; If ever I would leave you; At long last love … DRG-CD-8511 (64:34)

Correction to catalogue numbers (JIM 189) Tchaikovsky Orchestral Favourites MET 8006; Mills Bros. JASCD 577. Apologies.

KEEPING TRACK
Dateline September 2011

JOHN BARRY Revisited 4 CDs: ‘Elizabeth Taylor in London’; ‘Zulu’; ‘Four in the Morning’; and ‘The Ember Singles’ Fantastic Voyage FVQD034 (60:40, 31:44, 68:37 & 35:55) The first was a 1963 US TV documentary, arranged and conducted by Johnnie Spence, and the six music-only tracks are reprised in stereo. Liz Taylor adopted a mid-Atlantic accent for her delivery, and I suspect that it worked better as an integral part of the TV programme. The second CD is the original stereo soundtrack of the 1964 epic film ‘Zulu’, including the narration by Richard Burton, plus six Zulu stamps performed by the John Barry Seven. The score of the 1965 feature film ‘Four in the Morning’ is dark and atmospheric. It comprises fifteen tracks, four of which are excerpts of dialogue only by the actors involved. The eleven music-only tracks are reprised in stereo. The music incorporates a recurring theme, which may become repetitive heard in isolation. Despite its title ‘John Barry Plays 007’, only four of the Ember singles are connected with James Bond films. The first two tracks were a best-forgotten attempt to exploit the 1963 Profumo affair; tracks 7 & 8 are commercial recordings of numbers from the first CD, and tracks 9 & 10 duplicate two tracks from the second. If you can ignore those drawbacks, this is a well-produced and presented boxed set which should appeal not just to John Barry enthusiasts, but also to collectors of esoterica, particularly relating to the Swinging Sixties. Barry McCanna

PERCY FAITH Delicado 54 tracks incl. Many Times; Oodles of Noodles; Syncopated Clock; The Bandit; Fiddle Derby; Bubbling Over; Deep Purple; Tropical Merenge; Sleigh Ride: Little Lost Dog .. Jasmine JASCD 677 (78:39 & 79:44) Many of these tunes are associated irrevocably with Percy Faith, but what you'll find here in addition are six recordings on which he accompanied Champ Butler, including Henrietta’s Wedding and I’m Walking Behind You, together with his accompaniments to Marion Marlowe's If You Love Me, and Mahalia Jackson's Away in a Manger, plus a fair few singles that you may well have forgotten. The term Mood Music has become somewhat discredited, but Percy Faith's arrangements had the ability to create an atmosphere which transported the listener. This he achieved by aiming for a more mellow sound, damping down the normally predominant brass and woodwind sections, and overlaying them with strings. The remastering does full justice to that sound, and Robert Nickora's liner note outlines his career, but as with other Jasmine releases I wish there were more information in the track list. Barry McCanna

GRAND HOTEL Tom Jenkins (violin) directing the BBC Grand Hotel Orchestra with Reginald Kilbey (cello) and Jack Byfield (piano) Mazurka de Concert; By the Sleepy Lagoon; Melodies of Britain; If My Songs Were Only Winged; Parlez Moi D’Amour; Fascination; ‘Dear Miss Phoebe’ – Selection; The Laughing Violin; Jealous Lover; ‘Because You’re Mine’ – Selection; Gipsy Carnival; Dream Serenade; Pizzicato from ‘Sylvia’ (Delibes); ‘Waltzing Thru’ Filmland’; Meditation from ‘Thais’; Air on the G String; To a Wild Rose

Dinmore DRD 056 (76:29) A blast from the past except there is no blast! These are beautifully played highly civilized versions of pieces typical of what so many people – some 10 million in the early ‘50s – enjoyed week by week on BBC radio from the 1930s through to the 1950s. The first 15 tracks were recorded by EMI in 1951 and the last two tracks are live performances from a year later. The Stradivarius-playing Tom Jenkins took over as leader from Albert Sandler in 1948 and left the programme in 1954. I was surprised to read that he was only forty-seven when he died of lung cancer in 1957. A fine memento of a truly popular musical entertainer. Remastering is by Paul Arden-Taylor, whose presentation at the RFS London meeting in May was so greatly appreciated, and is issued on his own label: Dinmore Records, 11 Romsley Hill Grange, Romsley, Worcs, B62 0LN, or www.dinmore-records.co.uk for £7.50 incl.p&p. Peter Burt

RICHARD HAYMAN Misty 59 tracks incl. Blue Tango; Tammy; Sadie’s Shawl; Off Shore; Summertime; Golden Earrings; Moonlight Serenade; Winter Wonderland; Turkey Mambo; Carol … Jasmine JASCD 676 (78:00 & 79:18) This compilation includes the complete Mercury album ‘Richard Hayman Conducts the Great Motion Picture Themes of Victor Young’. Other tracks are drawn from ‘Music for People Who Can't Sleep’, ‘Only Memories’, and ‘Let's Get Together’, as well as his accompaniment to Bobby Wayne's singles Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow and The Jones Boy. Robert Nickora's liner note includes the comment that Hayman was largely responsible for popularising the harmonica in the 1950s, which ignores the influence of Larry Adler. On the other hand, it is instructive to compare Richard Hayman's approach to that of Larry Adler. The latter played in a very assertive style, so that no matter who (if anyone) was accompanying him, you were never allowed to forget that his playing was central to the exercise (in art as in life!) In contrast, Richard Hayman's style is softer, and he blends his instrument into the accompaniment, so that it complements rather than dominating. Barry McCanna

JAMES LAST  Voodoo Party &  Well Kept Secret 20 tracks incl. Se A Cabo; Sing a Simple Song; Heyah Masse-Ga; Mamy Blue; Jin-Go-Lo-Ba … Jubilation; I Can’t Move No Mountains; Love for Sale; Bolero ’75; Question … Vocalion  CDSML 8477 (74:35)  ROGIER VAN OTTERLOO   On The Move  &  The French Collection 18 tracks incl. Go on Forever; Alfie’s Lullaby; Alone at Last; My Dearest Fluffie; The Eternal Triangle … Les Plaisirs Démodés; The Old Fashioned Way; Summer of ’42; La Gars de Rocherchouart; Mourir au Soleil … Vocalion CDSML 8474  (78:09)

Both of these releases originally made their appearance on the Polydor label in the early/mid Seventies. At this time US West Coast ‘Jazz-Funk’ became very popular and still has many devotees to this day. That influence is much in evidence in these four albums. For those whose knowledge of James Last is confined to the ‘Non-Stop’  and  the so-called, ‘a-Gogo’ series, (which by 1973 had sold forty-seven million LPs  world-wide and made a  vast fortune for Last and the record company) these two albums show him in a somewhat different light. ‘Voodoo Party’  features twelve tracks, mostly Latin–inspired, including three numbers previously recorded by Carlos Santana. Driving, pulsating rhythms dominate, and the excellent and very comprehensive liner notes speak of "enough Latin-American percussion to sink a battleship". ‘Well Kept Secret’  was a  rare excursion away from the German recording studios; Last travelled to Los Angeles, and worked with the cream of the West Coast musicians, including Larry Muhoberac  and Wes Farrell, who also produced the sessions.  Highlights of the eight tracks (for this reviewer) are Summertime (with some frenetic flute playing by Tom Scott) and Slaughter On Tenth Avenue – two pieces played like you’ve never heard them before and well worth a listen! Dutch-born Rogier van Otterloo was the eldest son of the renowned conductor Willem van Otterloo. Having made dozens of arrangements for the famous Metropole Orchestra and guest-conducted that ensemble on many occasions, he eventually succeeded Dolf van der Linden as their MD. I first encountered Rogier on an excellent series of albums ‘Introspection 1 – 4 ‘ (on which he worked with the flautist Thijs van Leer). His career was cut short at the age of 46, after losing a prolonged battle with cancer. Both of the albums on this CD were made in London, using an ensemble largely made-up of the very best session musicians. ‘On The Move’ takes its title from track 3. Seven of the eight tracks were penned by van Otterloo and the wonderfully lush and sometimes dramatic arrangements often feature pulsating rhythms, with brass, wind and electric piano very much to the fore. ‘The French Collection’ uses many of the same musicians, including Don Lusher, Roy Willox, and this time "our own" David Snell. A change is to be found in the programme: the eight tracks here are not original compositions but a  tantalising menu of French popular  melodies, treated to van Otterloo’s modern orchestrations.  These are very distinctive and illustrate just what a consummate musician this man was; it is a tragedy that he never lived to gain the international recognition which he undoubtedly deserved. The sound quality on both CDs is up to Mike Dutton’s usual superlative quality, and the already-referred-to liner notes, by Oliver Lomax, are a model of their kind. All-in-all, highly recommended! Tony Clayden

GEOFF LOVE & HIS ORCHESTRA Themes For Super Heroes & Big Terror Movie Themes 24 tracks incl. Superman; The Incredible Hulk; The Bionic Woman; Spiderman; Blakes 7 … Jaws; The Poseidon Adventure; The Exorcist – Tubular Bells; Rollerball – Toccata in D Minor; Psycho … Vocalion CDSML 8476 (76:36) Although I would not have got out of my chair to turn on the "telly" or gone to the cinema to see any of the TV progs or movies listed on this disc (I was a big fan of Dick Barton – Special Agent, however), I enjoyed this compilation of themes, including as it does five standout tracks from the pen of John Williams, as well as the likes of Charles Williams (who wrote Devil’s Galop used for the radio series mentioned above), Jerry Fielding, Neil Hefti, Ron Grainer, J S Bach (sic) and Bernard Herrmann. The Executioner title music written by Ron Goodwin was unknown to me and, albeit good, in its dissonance not typical of his output. Both these albums were produced by the legendary Norman Newell on EMI’s Music for Pleasure label in 1979 and ’75 respectively. Null points for the designs of the original LP sleeves nor the CD label, but full marks to Oliver Lomax for his booklet notes covering not just the background to the music but the life of a much-loved conductor and the history of the original MfP series. There is too little of Geoff’s work available nowadays and, hopefully, this will be the forerunner of much more. Peter Burt

CD Choce for September

STEVE RACE & HIS ORCHESTRA Take One & Dance To The TV Themes 25 tracks incl. Around the World; Around the World in 80 Days; Over the Rainbow; Lawrence of Arabia; On Green Dolphin Street; Maria; Summertime; Days of Wine and Rose; A Hard Day’s Night; I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face; Never on Sunday; Moon River; The James Bond Theme; Maigret; Naked City; Startime (Sunday Night at the London Palladium); Man of the World; Here and Now; Willow Waltz (The World of Tim Frazer); Route 66; Stranger on the Shore; Doctor Kildare … Vocalion CDLK 4439 (68:33) Steve Race was one of my musical heroes since the early 1950's whether on children's TV or on radio (Mine, too, May we now have ‘Late Race’? – KT Ed.) Mike Dutton has given us the chance to re-live those memories in issuing this CD taken from two World Record Club LPs. Arrangements are all by Steve and his orchestra is made up of the best of British session men including Tubby Hayes, Johnny Scott, Stan Roderick and Dave Goldberg. The album is full of superb tracks including thundering solos from Tubby Hayes on Z Cars and Perry Mason. Many readers will be surprised at the late night André Previnesque arrangement of Coronation Street – "smooching on the Street", I call it – and the ITV soap will never be the same again. Mike has woven his usual magic of remastering and the release has retained the original sleeve notes including those by Steve Race with his wonderful dry and gentle humour. Surely a release for the "Desert Island" or Christmas stocking. Mike Crowther

A RETURN TRIP TO THE LIBRARY For full tracklisting please see page 73 Guild GLCD5183 [77:28]. This latest Guild release is just up my alley, and it begins with a real corker, King Palmer’s majestic theme With Pomp and Pride from the Paxton Library. This was the very first Paxton 78 I bought from a local record and piano store and I’m sure UK readers from the Birmingham area will remember Dale Forty’s shops and they had a branch here in Leamington. I still have that 78 and I was thrilled to bits that I could buy Paxton discs locally over the counter. Paul Fenoulhet’s Happidrome on track two is a perfect picture of variety acts rushing on and about the stage in frantic haste, but Tom Wyler’s Lovely Day which follows is a perfect relaxing antidote. Laurie Johnson’s Rue De La Paix first came into my possession on an LP of mood pieces issued by Amateur Movie Magazine in the 1960s with a photo of a young couple and a Eumig 8mm Projector on the sleeve front, the same model as I still have. Another good old’un, Looking Around by Colin Smith (Lloyd Thomas) and Cyril Watters’ Making Merry keep up the momentum on this ‘Library Trip’, quietening down somewhat as The Symphonia Orchestra conducted by Curt Anderson play Cecil Milner’s Wide Horizon. Two cracking pieces follow: Dog Gone by George French and a scintillating number from Trevor Duncan, Little Debbie, dedicated to his daughter. The Club Quintet, whoever they were, on the Conroy label continue the programme with Reg Owen’s Secret Serenade, a familiar tune but I’m blowed if I can remember where I’ve heard it before. Robert Farnon’s Dixielander played by The Dance Orchestra and conducted by him is the sole dance number on the disc under that classification because the items are listed under "moods" as they would be in a publishers catalogue, so under "modern movement" are Anthony Mawer’s Transcontinental from Conroy and Holiday Excursion by Peter Yorke from Chappell, both pieces bringing to mind Rank’s series ‘Look At Life’. During the lifetime of radios ITMA arrangements of well known numbers were written by various composers and Clive Richardson was one of them, and it’s his version of This Old Man Came Rolling Home played by The Group Forty Orchestra from KPM under "humorous" which I suppose it is if you like that sort of thing. However two more Paxton records caught my eye: Le Cabaret by John Foulds and Jack Strachey’s Ascot Parade, both of which I have in their 78 form and played by The London Promenade Orchestra conducted by Walter Collins who remains (to me) a mystery figure. Apart from his connection to the De La Warr Pavilion of Bexhill-on-Sea in I think the 1930s and his own compositions, I know nothing else about him but I’d like to. Two quirky numbers by Van Phillips and Dolf Van Der Linden, Buffoonery and Man from Mars, keep the tempo moving as the library shelves begin to empty. "Space, the final frontier"…no, really it’s just that we’ve reached Stratosphere by Eric Spear (wonder if he called it that to rhyme with his name?) and played by The New Century Orchestra conducted by Sidney Torch who also do the honours with Ronald Hanmer’s warlike Blood and Sand March and I suppose you could couple it with Shades of Destiny by Wilfred Burns, equally dramatic, and played by the Regent Classic Orchestra from the Bosworth library. But we end with a cracking piece of "Industrial" mood music by Charles Williams, A Machine Ballet played by the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra conducted by him. I have three British Rail LMS Gaumont-British Instructional Films and one of them, ‘The Wheels Behind the Walls’ features a factory making steel window frames and A Machine Ballet is used to good effect behind this sequence. The other two films are ‘The Butcher, The Baker’ and ‘The Highway of Steel’, all in colour and made around 1947, needless to say very interesting and like this CD packed with libraries’ vintage mood music. I believe a small amount of distortion was supposed to be on the original 78 but thanks to Alan Bunting’s restoration technique, you wouldn’t know it. Ken Wilkins

ROBERT SHARPLES In A Monastery Garden The Immortal Works of Albert Ketelbey The New Symphony Orchestra of London conducted by Robert (Bob) Sharples In a Monastery Garden; Wedgwood Blue; In a Chinese Temple Garden; Sanctuary of the Heart; ‘Appy ‘Ampstead; In a Persian Market; The Phantom Melody; Bells Across the Meadow; In the Mystic Land of Egypt Vocalion CDLF 8143 (50’) This a terrific re-release of an LP with, as usual, excellent remastering by Mike Dutton. The pieces will be mostly familiar but not the speed at which ‘Appy ‘Ampstead scorches along, singeing the grass, swing boats, roundabouts and everything else which took place on Bank Holidays looking down over London from Hampstead Heath. If you like Ketelbey well expressed then you will certainly enjoy this offering. Edmund Whitehouse

ILD is a well-established French record company which releases its own CDs, as well as distributing releases from other labels such as Vocalion and Guild. The following ten CDs, reviewed by David Ades, give a good idea of the wide repertoire covered.

GERARD CALVI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Le Bal Chez Madame de Mortemouille Le Bal de Madame de Mortemouille (Madame de Mortemouilles Ball); Courses De Toros (Bull Fights); Tonnerre Sur La Louisiane (Thunder In Louisiana); La Polka Des Menottes (Polka Of The Handcuffed Men); Les Demons De La Nuit (Devils Of The Night); Vacances (Holidays); Chats De Gouttiere (Alley Cats); Madamoiselle Robot (Miss Robot); Gigue Ecossaise (Scottish Jig); Ballet Moderne (Modern Ballet); Sur La Plage (On The Beach); Muguet Polka (Lili-Of-The-Valley Polka); Bonus tracks - Cop And Lea; Dugudu Follies; Hyde Park; Sur La Plage (sung by Claude Goaty). ILD 642313 [60:42]. Gerard Calvi’s memorable French Vogue LP ‘Le Bal Chez Madame de Mortemouille’ won the French Grand Prix du Disque in 1958, and four titles from this album have already reappeared on Guild Light Music CDs. If they have whetted your appetite for more, then this is your opportunity to acquire the complete LP, together with four bonus tracks. Like all of the ILD CDs being reviewed this time, the attractive 8-page booklet is in French. This LP caused quite a stir in UK light music circles when originally released by Pye, and this CD reissue is warmly recommended.

HELMUT ZACHARIAS AND HIS MAGIC VIOLINS La Fete Aux Violons La Fete Aux Chapeaux; Que Sera Sera; Paris Palace Hotel; Autumn Concerto; Princess De Glace; Le Tapis Volant; Fiddlers Boogie; The Whistler And His Dog; Meet Mr Callaghan; The Tipsy Piano; Scotch Polka; Je Vous Adore; and 12 more. ILD 642273 [67:24]. Helmut Zacharias achieved international fame from the 1950s onwards, and these early recordings are good examples that explain his popularity.

MICHEL LEGRAND AND HIS ORCHESTRA Cole Porter And His Friends... Paris In The Spring; I Love Paris; Paris; Autumn Leaves; April In Paris; The Last Time I Saw Paris; The Jitterbug Waltz; Night And Day; Love For Sale; Close; I Get A Kick Out Of You; Too Darn Hot; Round Midnight; Begin The Beguine; In The Still Of The Night; Ridin' High; All Through The Night; Just One Of Those Things; Anything Goes; Blow Gabriel Blow; Wild Man Blues. ILD 642274 [70:19]. Again, notes are not really necessary. Michel Legrand became a major player internationally, and here we can sample some of his early work.

EDDIE BARCLAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA Hit Parade 56 The Portuguese Washerwomen; Un Petit Peu d'Argent; L'Homme Et L'Enfant; Tic Tac Tango; Corps A Corps; Laisse Moi Rever Un Peu De Toi; Tango Magique (Magic Tango); Stormy Weather; Papa Loves Mambo; La Danse Du Baiser; Unchained Melody; Elephant Tango; and 12 more. ILD 642299 [65:55]. Eddie Barclay (real name Edouard Ruault – he changed it in 1944 when he came into contact with American liberation forces) was famous in France for two reasons: his music, and his nine wives. His career took off at the end of World War 2 when he realised that his jazz with a French flavour was much in demand, and started his own band in 1947. Gradually he began extending his talents into conducting and record production for several leading singers, and eventually he formed Barclay Records. Thanks to his contacts with the American record industry he was able to take a leading role in the production and distribution of LP records in France where he became known as the "King of Microgroove". This CD captures the free and easy sound that was so appropriate for this kind of repertoire in the 1950s. His music usually features a full orchestra, with attractive strings and brass, and plenty of rhythm. Simply this is music to make you feel happy!

WAL-BERG AND HIS ORCHESTRA Original Recordings 1957-1959 Danse Ukrainienne; Joue Tzigane; Blue Danube; Volga Boatmen; Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka; Vienna Blood; Adieu Mon Petit Officier (Goodbye from ‘White Horse Inn’); Stenka Razine - Le Bouleau; Plaine Ma Plaine; The Third Man; Libesfreud; Valse De La Chauve-Souris; Two Guitars; La Danse Du Diable (Devil's Dance); and 8 more. ILD 642297 [71:38]. Wal-Berg was born in Istanbul, and his real name was Voldemar Rosenberg. He studied at both the Berlin and Paris Conservatoires of Music, and during the 1930s was closely associated with French recordings by Marlène Dietrich. As his career progressed he worked with many of the leading French artistes, and composed over 300 original works – his Danse Du Diable becoming known internationally (a recording by Mantovani is on Guild GLCD5181). His later recordings often had a Russian, Austrian or Gypsy feel, which is evident on many of the tracks on this CD. He had a large orchestra but, unlike Eddie Barclay, he made few concessions to changing musical tastes in the 1950s. This is pure orchestral light music which is almost dateless. It should appeal to many RFS members.

CARMEN DRAGON and the HOLLYWOOD BOWL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Echoes Of Spain Espana Cani; Cielito Lindo; Tico Tico; Siboney; Espana; Ritual Fine Dance; Andalucia; Jealousy; Estrellita; Malaguena; El Relicario; and 7 more. ILD 642279 [78:16]. Many readers will be familiar with these recordings, which were warmly received upon their original release over 50 years ago.

ADOLPHE SIBERT AND HIS DANCE ORCHESTRA Les Plus Celebres Quadrilles Francaise Et Viennois (The Most Famous French And Viennese Quadrilles) Les Lanciers; La Fille De Madame Angot; Les Cloches De Corneville; Orphee Aux Enfers; La Mascotte; La Vie Parisienne; and 11 more tracks. ILD 642307 [73:12]. Adolphe Sibert was born in Vienna, so he would have been brought up in a strong tradition of dance music. Like the Wal-Berg CD reviewed above, his orchestra ignores the post-war influences of pop music, making this a charming reminder of the kind of music that was the staple fare of concertgoers in the early years of the last century. The orchestra is a purely concert ensemble, even though it is called Orcheste de Bal. There are faint resemblances to Harry Davidson, but he played in strict tempo which this is definitely not! This is more like the style of music we hear from Vienna each New Year’s Day.

EMILE NOBLOT AND HIS ORCHESTRA Les Jardins De Grenade; La Polka Chinoise; La Gavotte Des Vers Luisants (The Glow Worm); Revil Du Printemps; Music Box Tango; Bucaro; Refrains; In Old Lison; Les Amants D'Un Jour; Les Maraicheres De Bahia; Gaillardo; Pour Un Reve D'Amour; Domani; Dans Les Jardins De Valencia; Czardas Tango; and 10 more. ILD 642284 [73:33]. These tracks all date from 1953 to 1957 and feature a small orchestra which, in the booklet photos, looks like a Gypsy ensemble, but also often sounds like many of the smaller salon light orchestras of pre-war years. Yet at times it takes on the atmosphere of many 1950s light orchestras with a larger string section, so it seems likely that the personnel varied in size and style to suit the repertoire being recorded. Every so often the world of Light Music throws up previously unknown musicians who were clearly very talented, and who produced some pleasing music. Emile Noblot certainly falls into this category.

JERRY MENGO AND HIS ORCHESTRA Club De Danse Carroll's; Lullaby Of Broadway; Lillette; J'Aime Tout, Tout, Tout (In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening); Anthony's Cat Boogie; Les Oranges De Jaffa; Un P'tit Coup de Chapeau; Tire L'Aguille; Faut Aimer Ca; Oui Mon Amour; Tout Mais Pas Ca; Bing Bang Blues; and 12 more. ILD 642260 [68:01]. The smooth sound of a French swing band of the 1950s.

AIMÉ BARELLI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Charmaine Charmaine; Limelight; Vaya Con Dios; Clair De Lune; The Continental; Quel Temps Fait-Il A Paris ( What's The Weather Like In Paris? from the film "Mr Hulot's Holiday"); Le Monsieur Aux Lilas; Judas; Sanguine; Lady Of Spain; Laura; Gelsomina (from the film "La Strada"); Le Grisbi; Grisbi Blues; Mon Couer Est Un Violon (Love Is Like A Violin); Je Sais Que Vous Etes Jolie; Comedie; Va Mon Mai Va; April In Paris; Siboney; Flirt; An American In Paris. ILD 642248 [72:18]. Like the Jerry Mengo CD above, this is easy listening swing music, with many tracks featuring Aimé Barelli on trumpet. A few tracks are vocal. Ideal for the ballrooms of the 1950s!

ILD CDs can be purchased direct from their own website in France: www.ild.tm.fr Alternatively copies can be supplied to special order from the RFS Record Service. The UK price of the above ten CDs is £10.50 each, plus usual postage and packing.

PHIL KELSALL Waltzing In The Clouds 21 tracks incl. Good Morning; My Isle of Golden Dreams; Tammy; It’s the Talk of the Town; Penny Serenade; Born Free; Says My Heart; Waltzing in the Clouds; Honey; Upstairs Downstairs Theme; Garden in the Rain; I Won’t Send Roses; Night and Day; A Paradise for Two; Little Old Lady; When You’re Smiling; Over My Shoulder … Grasmere GRCD 136 (72:44) Following his album reviewed in our last issue Mr. Kelsall is back at the Wurlitzer Organ of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom for this release of 51 numbers all played in strict tempo and sequence, comprising 14 selections for Modern Ballroom Quickstep to Mayfair Quickstep, Cindy Swing by way of Tango, Square Tango; Cha Cha Cha; Viennese Waltz; Bossa Nova; and Gavotte, etc. Album producer Tim Wills tells me that the liner listings should not have credited Shadow Waltz as being composed by Dubin and Warren but by Paul Dubois, the pen name of Clive Richardson! Now I can’t dance a step but I enjoyed this well-played tune selection so redolent of balmy days past sitting in the sun at a favourite UK seaside resort. Peter Burt

LES PAUL & FRIENDS How High the Moon 76 tracks incl. Lover; Tennessee Waltz; Jazz Me Blues; Meet Mister Callaghan; Bye Bye Blues; Vaya Con Dios; Nuevo Laredo; Out of Nowhere; It’s Been a long, Long Time; Rumors are Flying; Rosetta … Fantastic Voyage FVTD035 (64:57, 61:40 & 73:41) This bargain triple pack is subtitled ‘Hits & Rarities from the Wizard of Waukesha’, and it lives up to that billing. Chronologically the third disc is the earliest; titled ‘Pickin’ & Swingin’ it spans 1937 to 1947, when Les was performing first as Rhubarb Red, then set up the Les Paul Trio. This was a jazzy combo which recorded for Decca, both solo and accompanying various vocalists, including Helen Forrest, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and the Delta Rhythm Boys. Also included are eight rare transcription recordings dating from 1947, and two numbers from the 1944 JATP concert. The remaining 52 tracks cover the Capitol years from 1948 to 1958, when he specialised in the multi-tracked recordings which he pioneered, including vocals by his wife Mary Ford, and which established his reputation. Barry McCanna

TWO GRANDS – FOUR HANDS Spectacular and Rare Novelty Piano Duos of the 1920s and 1930s 26 tracks Rivermont BSW-1152 (78:02) Sadly, the piano’s popularity has waned in recent years, but at one time accomplished players were in abundance, and this compilation features a dozen pairs. They include the young Carroll Gibbons, who teamed up with Arthur Young in 1925 to record four exuberant tunes for Vocalion, including Alabamy Bound and Charleston. The latter also recorded with Reginald Foresythe, and in 1939 they produced hot versions of Tiger Rag and St. Louis Blues. Maryan Rawicz and Walter Landauer are featured playing their own tunes for the 1937 film The Street Singer, in which they appeared. The playing throughout is of a consistently high standard, and the differing styles and diversity of material ensure great variety. The compilation has drawn on a variety of sources, many quite rare, but the remastering has produced an excellent consistency of sound. Add to that a very informative liner note by Alex Hassan, together with a full discography, and you have a reissue to treasure. Barry McCanna

DEBBIE WISEMAN Piano Stories Music composed and performed by Debbie Wiseman: Isolation Theme from ‘The Hide’; Portal to the Past from ‘Tom’s Midniqht Garden’; Thorn to the Heart from ‘The Nightingale and The Rose’; High Walled Garden from ‘The Selfish Giant’; Oscar from ‘Wilde’; Silver Stream; Fields of Hope from ‘Land Girls’; Joe and Diana from ‘The Upper Hand’; Ray of Sunshine from ‘Children’s Hospital’; Succession from ‘The Throne’; Mists of Edbrook from ‘Haunted’; Journey of a Lifetime from ‘Joanna Lumley’s Nile’; Travels with Uncle Sam from ‘Stephen Fry in America’; Affairs Current from The Andrew Marr Show; Man of Law from ‘Judge John Deed’; Peacekeeper from ‘Warriors’; Occupation from ‘The Promise’; The Quiet Room; The Honeymoon’s Over from ‘Tom & Viv’; Echoes of Carmilla from ‘Lesbian Vampire Killers’; Fall of the Last Barrier from ‘Flood’; Christina’s Minuet from ‘Haunted’. Warner Classics 265467188-8 [79:28]. Debbie Wiseman is one of Britain’s most in-demand composers for film and television, and a glance through the list of titles on this CD surely confirms her pre-eminence in this field of the arts. Not only is she a gifted composer, but she is also an accomplished arranger and conductor, as well as being a fine pianist. It is the last of these talents that comes to the fore in this new CD (scheduled for release on 19 September), allowing us to hear how composers originally conceive some of their greatest works on the piano, before they are subjected to the full forces of a large orchestra. In the booklet notes Debbie writes that this album is the most personal of all that she has released so far, because it features her music as it first appears in her mind. The venture has been very close to her heart; her piano conveys such emotional feelings, both tender and sometimes quite strong, and her beautiful playing will surely touch everyone who hears it. David Ades

BRYAN WRIGHT Breakin’ Notes : Ragtime & Novelty Piano Solos Efficiency Rag; Kinklets; Hoosier Rag; Nove de Julio; Key-Stone Rag; The Harbour Rag; Euphonic Sounds; Red Elephant Rag; Soliloquy; Candlelights; Flashes; In the Dark; In a Mist; Breakin’ Notes; Cottontail Rag; Roberto Clemento; Upright and Grand; The Legend of Lonesome Lake Rivermont BSW-2212 (65:18) Bryan Wright’s first CD ‘Syncopated Musings’ (BSW-2204) was devoted to the classic rags of Scott Joplin and his contemporaries, but here he’s broadened that repertoire, and the result is a stunning success. The moment the first notes rang out I was entranced, and I remained captivated throughout. His touch produces a beautiful tone, and the recording is spacious and clear, enabling every nuance to be appreciated. Each of these compositions presents its own challenge, and some are extremely complex. His performance seems effortless, and captures the essence of each piece, not least the four Beiderbecke compositions. Bryan has provided an extensive illustrated liner note on the composers and their works, thereby adding to the disc’s appeal. Barry McCanna

NOTE:  These Rivermont CDs are available from Amazon, but you’ll get a better deal direct at http://www.rivermontrecords.com/ where you can see the full range. International cost is 20$ each including postage. Postal address is PO Box 3081, Lynchburg VA 24503, USA.

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK 60 tracks incl. Come Rain or Come Shine; Stardust; Mood Indigo; Blue Moon; Ten Cents a Dance; Some Enchanted Evening … Delta 60363 (59:41, 61:29 & 70:23) This is one of a new series from Delta which, like its associate Bygone Days, specialises in good-quality budget CDs. The choice of material is excellent, and the range of vocalists includes a track apiece by Cliff Richard (Embraceable You), Shirley Bassey (Night and Day), Elvis Presley (Blue Moon) and Edith Piaf (Autumn Leaves) as well as the more obvious choices of Bing, Frank, Ella etc. Sound quality is excellent, although tracklist information is quite minimal. Barry McCanna

THREE EVENINGS WITH FRED ASTAIRE CD 1 ‘An Evening with Fred Astaire’ (1958) 8 tracks incl. Introduction/Morning Ride; Svengali/Frantic Holiday; Change Partners; Baubles, Bangles & Beads/Mack the Knife … ‘Another Evening with Fred Astaire’ (1959) 9 tracks incl. Like Fast; The Afterbeat; That Face; My Blue Heaven; A Girl in Calico … CD 2 Astaire Medley Two; The Afterbeat (reprise); ‘Astaire Time’ (1960) 10 tracks incl. Romeo & Juliet Overture; Miss Otis Regrets; Not Now, I’ll Tell You When; Sweet Georgia Brown; Valse Triste … ‘Bonus Rare Tracks’ 8 incl. I’ve Got You On My Mind; A Fine Romance; Waltz In Swing Time; They Can’t Take That Away From Me … SEPIA 1168 (71:46 & 77:31) As Dominic McHugh reminds us in his extensive booklet notes, the great dancer was also an actor and musician, playing the piano, the accordion and drums, as well as composing and. singing. Not surprising that these performances won awards – pity we can’t have a DVD. Each show closes with a classic 8/9 minute Astaire medley and there are contributions from Count Basie and his Orchestra, The Jonah Jones Quartet, Barrie Chase, and Joe Williams. Mr. Astaire’s MD is the celebrated David Rose, whose orchestra also has a number of tracks to themselves including several pieces composed by the maestro and three classical items. The majority of the last eight tracks were previously un-issued. Remastering was in the capable hands of Robin Cherry. Unfortunately, as with many similar CDs, introductions, sponsor’s messages and applause – often imposing on the music – pall somewhat with repeated hearings. Ray Pavene

TONY BENNETT & THE GENE KRUPA QUARTET Guard Sessions Just In Time; September Song; I Left My Heart In San Francisco; Big Noise From Winnetka; Dark Eyes; Have I Told You Lately; April In Paris; Flyin’ Home; Sometimes I’m Happy; I Got The World On A String; Small World Isn’t It; Stompin’ At The Savoy; Caravan; Sunday; Tenderly; Fascinatin’ Rhythm; Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 838 [59:25]. Interspersed with twelve conversations between Tony Bennett and Martin Block plus instrumentals, all "live" radio performances designed as recruiting tools for the American National Guard. Paul Clatworthy

BRITAIN’S FIRST NUMBER ONES 1939 – 1945 64 tracks incl. Arm in Arm; Bless ‘Em All; The Last Time I Saw Paris; Amapola; Jealousy; Whispering Grass; Coming Home; I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat … Fantastic Voyage FVTD 104 (66:09, 66:07 & 67:26) Although the British singles chart did not begin until November 1952, weekly charts based on sheet music sales made their first appearance in 1939, albeit confined at first to US trade magazines. This 3-CD set has been produced by drawing on that information to present a pastiche of those hits, given that at this remove which artist sold the most records of a particular song is largely a matter of guesswork. The outbreak of the Second World War is generally regarded as having spelt the end for the dance band era, but Ambrose, Geraldo, Jack Hylton and Carroll Gibbons all scrape in, together with Hal Kemp, Tommy Dorsey and of course Glenn Miller. But this compilation is on the cusp of a transition from a band-led culture to one where the vocalist reigned supreme, represented by the likes of Gracie Fields, Dick Todd, Anne Shelton Vera Lynn and Bing Crosby. This is a very classy production, beautifully designed and packaged, and although the liner note contains a number of elementary mistakes that is a minor fault in a major production. Barry McCanna

BROOK BENTON The Silky Smooth Tones of 54 tracks incl. The Nearness of You; When I Fall in Love; Blue Skies; Moonlight in Vermont; September Song; I Believe … Jasmine JASCD 687 (77.12 & 77.20) This is made up of three complete and two partial Mercury LPs from the late 50s/early 60s, namely ‘It’s Just A Matter of Time’, ‘Endlessly’ and ‘Songs I Love to Sing’, plus edited versions of ‘The Two of Us’ (which paired him with Dinah Washington) and ‘The Golden Hits of Brook Benton’. I would like this more, but for an imbalance between vocalist and orchestra, particularly on ‘Endlessly’. Given the soft timbre of Brook Benton’s voice, this is more critical than would otherwise be the case. Apart from that, it’s an excellent reissue. Barry McCanna

PAT BOONE I’ll Be Home 62 tracks incl. Ain’t That a Shame; Tutti Frutti; Friendly Persuasion; Don’t Forbid Me; April Love; Walking the Floor Over You … Jasmine JASCD 159 (79.55 & 73.28) This is subtitled ‘The Singles, As & Bs, 1953-60’. According to the liner note, he’s "nowadays remembered as a crooner …rather than a Rock’n’Roller", but his relationship to the rock & roll genre was always ambivalent. Even when he was covering R & B songs (for which he drew some criticism, although cover versions were commonplace) his performance was measured, not abandoned. One reason was his strict Christian upbringing, which meant his image was atypical of the average rocker, and one he was determined to preserve. As a result, his songs appealed both to teenagers and their parents. For me, the best-remembered fall in a bloc between December 1955 and January 1958, during which period Pat Boone had a dozen recordings that charted in the UK. Barry McCanna

MARLENE DIETRICH Falling in Love Again 25 tracks incl. Ich bin die Fesche Lola; Give Me the Man; The Boys in the Back Room; Lili Marlene; Falling in Love Again … Retrospective RTR 4180 (77:34) This begins with three 1930 Berlin recordings of songs from ‘The Blue Angel’, followed by two of the six songs she recorded in Paris in 1933. Unaccountably she did not make another commercial record until December 1939, when she cut six songs with Victor Young, all of which are included. In November 1951 she made a series of recordings of well-known songs accompanied by Jimmy Carroll & his Orchestra, of which the German versions are included. The penultimate track is a duet with Rosemary Clooney on Too Old to Cut the Mustard, which title she continued to disprove. Barry McCanna

BILLY ECKSTINE & SARAH VAUGHAN Dedicated to You 48 tracks incl. Cheek to Cheek; Summertime; They All Laughed; A Foggy Day; April in Paris; Of Thee I Sing; The Man I Love ... REXX 342 (77.08 & 78.04) This follows on the success of ‘Passing Strangers’ (REXX 314) and comprises twelve solos by Billy and twenty-six by Sarah, some of the latter from her Broadway and George Gershwin albums, plus nine duets, predominantly from the pair's Irving Berlin Songbook album. Billy Eckstine’s husky voice was enhanced by his judicious use of an instantly recognisable controlled vibrato, and Sarah Vaughan’s silky tones are no less individual. Here you can enjoy them separately, and when they duet it’s like coffee and cream. These are sterling performances of classics from the Great American Songbook which should appeal across the board. Barry McCanna

FRANÇAIS CLASSIQUE 90 tracks on 5 CDs incl. Boum! - Charles Trenet; Les Feuilles Mortes - Yves Montand; J’Attendrai - Tino Rossi; La Vie en Rose - Edith Piaf; La Petite Tonkinoise - Josephine Baker; La Fiacre - Jean Sablon; Nuages - Django Reinhardt; Parlez-Moi d’Amour - Lucienne Boyer; Walkin’ My Baby Back Home - Maurice Chevalier … Bygone Days 50200 (52:18) (54:19) (54:00) (55:58) (54:15) Given that music is the food of love, and French the language of romance, it’s easy to understand why Gallic charmers have always had them swooning in the aisles. This generous compilation presents some of the best-loved songs in the genre, and should appeal to Francophiles everywhere. I confess to a blind spot where Maurice Chevalier is concerned, which his contribution does nothing to overcome. The track list is quite basic, and the odd inclusion of Georges Thill’s rendition of the aria O Paradis from Meyerbeer’s opera ‘l’Africaine’ is listed as unidentified. But you gets what you pay for, as the old saying goes, and this is certainly a remarkable bargain. Barry McCanna

GEORGE GERSHWIN ’S Wonderful 51 tracks incl. Swanee; Clap Yo’ Hands; Strike up the Band; Summertime; By Strauss; Nice Work if You Can Get It … Retrospective RTS 4176 (76.50 & 75.57) George Gershwin grew up in New York during the ragtime craze, which like its successor jazz, depended heavily on syncopated rhythms. So it was natural for him to incorporate that new musical alphabet into his own compositions. Most of the lyrics were written by his older brother Ira. The combination of George’s tunes and Ira’s lyrics were a knockout. Brimful of vim and pep, they were perfectly suited to the musical theatre for which they were commissioned. This portfolio presents fifteen Broadway shows, including the opera ‘Porgy and Bess’, which span the period 1919 to 1936, and four subsequent Hollywood films. Some feature members of the original cast, including Fred & Adele Astaire, Cliff Edwards, and Gertrude Lawrence. Others are later cover versions, by such great singers as Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, Lee Wiley, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dick Haymes. Barry McCanna

THE HUMAN ORCHESTRA 50 tracks incl. Moonglow; Fit as a Fiddle; Just a Jitterbug; Heebie Jeebies; Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer … Jasmine JASCD 685 (69:44 & 67:22) Taking as its starting point the 1985 LP of the same title, which constitutes the first 16 tracks, this features vocal groups like the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots, in the sense that they used minimal or no instrumental accompaniment. Some are quite obscure, but the Three Keys, the Cats and the Fiddle, and Three Sharps and a Flat (who provide a riotous version of I’m Getting Sentimental Over You) will be familiar to many. The recorded in the thirties and early forties, and the later tracks reflect the emergence of doo-wop. Barry McCanna

JOHNNY MATHIS The Rhythms & Ballads of Broadway 24 tracks incl. I Wish I Were in Love Again; Let’s Do It; Moanin’ Low; My Romance; Don’t Blame Me … Delta 26656 (75:43) This dates from 1960, when Columbia recognised Johnny Mathis’ burgeoning talent by producing two concept albums as a 2-LP set. ‘Rhythms of Broadway’ presents a dozen pulsating showstoppers, played con brio by Ralph Burns & his Orchestra, and delivered with gusto by Johnny, who seems fired up by the accompaniment, as well he should be. The mood changes with the smoother ‘Ballads of Broadway’, and Glenn Osser's beautifully relaxed orchestral sound, against which Johnny's velvet voice glides like a caress. Barry McCanna

NEW ONES, OLD ONES Light Music and Songs for Piano and Voice Gordon Pullin (tenor), John Asher (piano) 24 tracks incl. McLain: Tyger, Tyger; Hippo, Hippo; Adelstrop; Adelstrop Revisited; Ellis: Ma Belle Marguerite; Granados: Andaluza; Johnston: I’ll Remember April; Grieg: Borodin: This Is My Beloved; Coleridge-Taylor: Demande et Reponse; Mayerl: Bats in the Belfry; Lehar: You Are My Heart’s Delight; Tauber: My Heart and I; Rodgers: Younger Than Springtime; Fibich: Poème; Leroy Anderson: Forgotten Dreams … This CD can be generally described as easy listening songs from musicals, popular and light music classics, and 12 tracks by RFS member Johnny McLain, showing that people are still writing new light music. The 12 are divided between gently up-tempo piano solos (Valse Azure, Study in Blue, Busman’s Holiday, Smarty-pants; Feeling Bluesy Waltz and Song to Kirsty), and art songs in the English song tradition (the rest), best among them being the lilting Hardy songs (Yellowhammer, And So Do I). Gordon Pullin’s delivery is notably clear in line and diction; John Archer, clearly a fine all-round musician, plays splendidly. Philip L Scowcroft

Obtainable for £5 (plus £1 postage) from McLain Music, 42 Osidge Lane, Southgate, London N14 5JG

THE NORMAN LUBOFF CHOIR Rise to Fame 43 tracks incl. The Lamp Is Low; No Other Love; If You Are But a Dream; My Reverie; Joy to the World; Silent Night, Holy Night; Calypso Carnival; Yellow Bird; Dansez Calenda; Red River Valley; Tumbling Tumbleweeds; Home on the Range … Jasmine JASCD 683 (73:17 & 71:39) This 2-CD set is made up of four albums, each of which has its own distinctive flavour. The 1959 LP ‘Reverie’ contains a dozen tunes which were lifted from classical works, of which Ossie Dales' liner note identifies the source for six, but they are omitted from the composer credits. The 1956 ‘Songs of Christmas’ contains six medleys with a total of 22 carols, and is in stereo. The second disc opens with the 1957 LP ‘Calypso Holiday’, and concludes with the album ‘Songs of the West’, the latter also in stereo. Sound quality is excellent, and I was particularly impressed by the arrangements for the classical themes. This compilation contains a wide choice of music, offering something for every mood. Barry McCanna

THE SISTERS ANTHOLOGY A Celebration of Four Decades of Singing Sisters 38 tracks incl. He’s the Last Word; Fit as a Fiddle; Dinah; Missouri Waltz; Buttons and Bows; Wheel of Fortune; Take the ‘A’ Train … Fantastic Voyage FVDD094 (50:42 & 50:49) Given the amount of publicity generated by so-called girl bands, this comes as a timely reminder that the concept is by no means a new one. All the usual sister suspects are here (Andrews, Fontane, Boswell and McGuire, etc.), plus some that in all probability you won't have heard before: Duncan, Stafford and Moylan, for example. They enter the ear in varying degrees of mellifluousness, but if you harbour uncharitable thoughts under the young Gumms' assault, remember that had they not prevailed we should have been denied the later Judy Garland. The first CD runs from 1924 to 1946, and the second continues on up to 1959, which gives a fascinating study of an evolving style. A few numbers come from film soundtracks and radio broadcasts, and accompaniments include Ben Pollack, Jean Goldkette, and the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, not forgetting the Gilt-Edged Four, the Nat King Cole Trio, and Chet Atkins. Running time is on the short side, but remastering is excellent, and the two CDs are attractively presented in a gatefold blister pack with comprehensive illustrated liner note and full discography. Barry McCanna

JO STAFFORD At the Supper Club Part II All The Things You Are (Orchestral) What A Deal; I Can’t Begin To Tell You; Love Letters; Yesterdays; Patience and Fortitude; Down Honeymoon Lane; I Didn’t Mean What I Said; Aren’t You Glad You’re You; I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby; Sweet Georgia Brown; If I Had A Dozen Hearts; It’s A Grand Night For Singing; Old Man Harlem; Falling In Love With Love; A Little Consideration; Oye Negra; Day By Day; I’ll Remember April; My Romance; Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief; They Say Its Wonderful; All The Things You Are … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 841 [57:22]. Two orchestras, one led by Lloyd Shafer the other by Carl Kress, Helen Kress vocal group plus guests Bob Eberley, Benny Goodman, Mel Powell, Cozy Cole and Xavier Cugat. Jo made many V discs keeping up the morale of the American armed forces, leading her to become known as "GI Jo" the soldiers’ "girl next door". Johnny Mercer realised her potential signing her to Capitol records and she spent seven years there before following her musical director Paul Weston to Columbia; they later married. The live recordings contained on this CD were made in the 1940s complete with announcements – Jo’s delectable voice the highlight. Paul Clatworthy

DAVID WHITFIELD The Hits and More - The Ultimate Collection 53 tracks incl. I Believe; Answer Me; Cara Mia; Santo Natale; Beyond the Stars; Open Your Heart; Mama; Lady of Madrid; The Adoration Waltz; Marta; Mardi Gras; If I Lost You; When I Grow Too Old to Dream; … Jasmine JASCD 585 (65:14 & 67:06) Many of these tracks have been reissued already on CD, some more than once, but there are six numbers for which, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first digital outing. It's obvious that much thought has gone into this 2-CD set, but I find the packaging somewhat disappointing. The track list shows only a year against the tune, with no indication of accompaniment or original catalogue number. The text itself contains a number of elementary mistakes, and David's career is dealt with in a quite cursory fashion. It is pertinent to mention that David was inspired by two great operatic tenors, Lauritz Melchior and Richard Tauber. He took his art very seriously, and received voice training from Professor Georges Cunelli. All of which is reflected in the majestic timbre of his voice, his control of dynamic and vibrato, and the beauty of his vocal line. David was far more than a singer of popular songs, and his choice of repertoire included standards, songs from the stage and screen, and operetta. Despite my reservations, I rate this new set very highly indeed, and recommend it unreservedly to anyone who is devoted to the tenor voice. Barry McCanna

‘DANCE BAND DELIGHTS’

AMBROSE Limehouse Blues; B’Wanga; Caravan; Copenhagen; Cotton Pickers’ Congregation; Deep Henderson; Early Morning Blues; Embassy Stomp; Hors d’Oeuvres; Hick Stomp; Hullabaloo; Night Ride; Man About Town; Blue Romance; Plain Jane; Streamline Strut; The Penguin; Champagne Cocktail; Tootin’ Around; Swinganola; War Dance of the Wooden Indians; Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life; When Day is Done CDB01 (66:30)

LEW STONE Look What I’ve Got; The Bouncing Ball; Aunt Hagar’s Blues; Blue Jazz; Dinner and Dance; Canadian Pacific; Ebony Shadows; Ja Da; Lazy Rhythm; Milenberg Joys; Plastered in Paris; Solitude; St. Louis Blues; The Call of the Freaks; Vilia; White Jazz; Tiger Rag; Missouri Scrambler; Serenade for a Wealthy Widow; House Hop; Canadian Capers; Etude; Oh Susannah/ That’s a Plenty CDB02 (69:19)

ROY FOX Radio Luxembourg Broadcasts Singing in the Bath Tub; Whispering/Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet; My Heaven on Earth; Big Dipper; Lost and Found; Black Eyes; Singing in the Bath Tub; Mr. Sweeney Learned to Swing; Ooh! Boom!; Two Shadows; Congo; Let’s do it, Let’s Fall in Love; Margie; Finale; Singing in the Bath Tub; Whispering; Happy Feet; You Took the Words Right out of My Heart; Mean to Me; Bob White; Me, Myself and I; Nobody’s Sweetheart; Finale; Singing in the Bath Tub; Whispering; Singing in the Rain; You Appeal to Me; Dizzy Daisy; Someday Sweetheart; Whistle While You Work; Rosalie); Everybody Loves My Baby; Finale CDB03 (62:37)

RAY NOBLE Copper Blues; Mad About the Boy; Blue Danube; Baby, You got the Right Idea; Every Day Away from You; Jog Along; My Heart is Saying; So the Blackbirds and the Bluebirds got Together; Terribly Fond of You; Japanese Sandman; Tiger Rag; What a Perfect Combination; When the Real Thing Comes Your Way; The Sun is Round the Corner; Way Down Yonder in New Orleans; Sleep; El Relicario; Dinah; Chinatown; California Here I Come; Footprints in the Snow; You’re Everything Sweet; Allah’s Holiday; The Very Thought of You CDB04 (68:55) These four CDs from This England (sales@shopwindow-online.co.uk) are the first of a new series labelled ‘Dance Band Delights’, and apart from the Roy Fox feature only instrumentals. Most of the individual tracks have been reissued hitherto within LP and/or CD compilations, but I think this is the first time they’ve been grouped together in this way. The Ray Noble album includes ten of the US recordings, four of which are radio transcriptions. The Roy Fox compilation comprises four Radio Luxembourg broadcasts (which were sponsored by Reckitt’s Bath Cubes, hence the recurrence of one particular number) and vocalists include Denny Dennis and Mary Lee. There is a needle skip on track 3, but otherwise these are well remastered and attractively packaged, and a welcome addition to the dance band catalogue. Barry McCanna

THE HOTTEST OF THE PHILIP LEWIS / RHYTHM MANIACS RECORDINGS 1928-1930 Featuring Arthur Lally, Syvester Ahola and Danny Polo 24 tracks incl. My Kinda Love; My Troubles are Over; Doin’ the New Low-Down; Down Among the Sugar-Cane: Building a Nest for Mary; Diga Diga Doo; What is this Thing Called Love?; I’m Crooning a Tune about June; Imagination Goes a Long, Long Way; Little Pal: Red Hair and Freckles … Retrieval RTR 79064 (70:23) This Decca studio group created some uncompromisingly hot sides between mid-1929 and early 1930. All of the musicians involved were masters of their craft, and some played together in the Ambrose orchestra, but these were obviously more informal sessions, where they could play as they wished, and it shows. Trumpeter Sylvester Ahola set a clear lead, and his highly individual style included fast flurries of notes, often creating highly complex effects, such as in his solo in There's One Thing Remains. This he called his "paradiddle rhythm" which he achieved by double tonguing in double time and executed as if it were just a matter of course. Arthur Lally’s full-bodied contributions on most of the sax family and the standard of percussion work, for much of which Max Bacon was responsible, contributes to a CD without a dull track, and on which the quality of playing is quite superlative. Most are vocals, but two instrumentals deserve special mention, both taken at a fierce pace. The old warhorse Tiger Rag is given a facelift by some splendid ensemble playing, which develops to accompany the obligatory smears produced on bass sax rather than trombone, after which Max Bacon takes an extended cymbal solo against a background of riffs. Max is also much in evidence on That’s a Plenty, and if there’s a hotter version of this number I have yet to hear it. Nick Dellow has worked wonders in coaxing a very full sound spectrum from these early Decca 78s, including a wax master for the previously unissued final title. It should be an essential purchase for devotees of the golden age of British dance bands, particularly those who like their music piping hot. Barry McCanna

GEORGE SHEARING Lullaby of Birdland 52 tracks incl. More Than You Know; Cherokee; September in the Rain; Jumpin’ with Symphony Sid; Isn’t it Romantic? … Retrospective RTS 4178 (78:38 & 77:28) This timely tribute spans the period 1939 to 1960. It includes early piano solos, a collaboration with Leonard Feather where George plays accordion, and one apiece of his recordings with Hatchett’s Swingtette, Stephane Grappelli’s Quartet, and Harry Parry & the Radio Rhythm Club Sextet, plus two sextet and one trio recording from 1944. His January 1949 recordings for the Discovery label feature another performance from George on accordion, playing Ray Noble’s Cherokee. Thereafter he signed with MGM, and stayed for five years, before switching to Capitol in 1955. The later 50s recordings include backings by Billy May, and four vocals by Peggy Lee (from the famed Miami concert) and one by Nancy Wilson. Barry McCanna

JACK TEAGARDEN BIG T A Hundred Years from Today 46 tracks incl. Makin’ Friends; You Rascal, You!; Christmas Night in Harlem; Jack Hits the Road; Stars Fell on Alabama; High Society … Nimbus RTS 4182 (77:31 & 76:10) Jack Teagarden’s trombone playing was deceptively simple; it favoured the upper register, and wove mellifluous patterns with apparent disregard to the ground beat. His bluesy playing was reflected in the lazy bonhomie of his vocals, enhanced by his southern drawl. His earliest recorded solo was She’s a Great, Great Girl with the orchestra of Roger Wolfe Kahn, and he joined Ben Pollack's Park Central Orchestra soon after. He also recorded with Eddie Condon, Louis Armstrong, Red Nichols and Benny Goodman; all are represented here, together with later recordings under his own name, of which the most evocative is Davenport Blues with its ethereal introduction. This superb sampling of Jack's art spans 1928 to 1954, and has been beautifully remastered with a full discography. It's memorable for the consistently high quality of his playing (to quote from the Penguin Guide "there are scarcely any moments when he sounds less than wonderful"). If you're not a devotee already, buy this and be converted. Barry McCanna

MORGANA KING Four Classic Albums 47 tracks including There’s a Lull in My Life; Mean to Me; Body and Soul; I Can’t Get Started; How High the Moon; I’ll Remember April; That Ole Devil Called Love; … Avid AMSC1021 (70:26 & 72:25) This 2-CD set gathers together four ‘50s LPs by Morgana King, namely ‘For You, For Me, For Evermore’ from March 1956; ‘Sings the Blues’ from January 1956; ‘The Greatest Songs Ever Swung’ from 1959; and ‘Let Me Love You’ from July 1958. My own preference is for the 1956 recordings, where Morgana's silky cream-smooth voice is the centrepiece and is embellished by the restrained playing of the musicians in her backing group. On the later sessions some of the accompaniments sound at odds with the song and she seems to be striving for effect, as a result of which her vocals are more mannered. However, this is a matter of personal taste, and what strikes me as a slight falling off will appeal to others. Overall this is a superb reissue, and my reservation about the second CD is only in comparison with the very high standard set by the first. It is also a considerable bargain, which you'll appreciate if you try to acquire these four albums separately. Barry McCanna

ANNIE ROSS Four Classic Albums Plus 48 tracks incl. The Way You Look Tonight; Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea; Gypsy in My Soul; I Love Paris; Manhattan; Everything’s Coming Up Roses; You Took Advantage of Me; I Feel Pretty; Give Me the Simple Life … Avid AMSC1015 (78:44 & 78:17) This comprises a variety of riches from seven different sources, including the album ‘Annie by Candlelight’ recorded in London in 1956 with the Tony Crombie Quartet; the 10 numbers from the LP ‘A Song with Mulligan’ which was recorded in New York in December 1957; and the albums ‘It’s A Gasser’ and ‘Gypsy’ both recorded in Los Angeles in 1959. Annie is in fine fettle throughout, interpreting the lyrics in her highly individual manner, but always respecting the songwriter's intention. Her rendition of Skylark is a thing of beauty, and I've Told Every Little Star, recorded at the same session, is a delightful exercise in droll vocal delivery. Buddy Bregman, the arranger on the ‘Gypsy’ album, was the nephew of Jule Styne, the score's composer. I doubt this was a big seller when it first came out, but it's certainly stood the test of time. Good as the first CD is, it's merely the curtain-raiser for Annie's recordings with two of the heavyweights of the then contemporary jazz scene. Despite the prominence of Zoot Sims' name on the original LP sleeve of ‘It's A Gasser’, he was replaced on three numbers by Bill Perkins, and the backing quintet was led by pianist Russ Freeman, who also produced the arrangements. Apart from a couple of up-tempo songs, it's lovely, smoky, small-hours jazz with a perfect understanding between all concerned. It's Annie's partnership with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet that produces her jazziest performances. In addition to the leader, it features either Chet Baker or Art Farmer on trumpet, Bill Crow or Henry Grimes on bass, and drummer Dave Bailey. The choice of material is excellent. All concerned play their socks off, and produce jazz of a very high order. Barry McCanna

ANYTHING GOES Criswell, von Stade, Hubbard, Groenendaal, Gilford, Ambrosian Chorus, et al. London Symphony Orchestra / McGlinn 22 tracks incl. Anything Goes; I Get a Kick Out of You; You’re the Top; All Through the Night; Blow, Gabriel, Blow … EMI Classics 9489442 (74:22) I understand that theatre historians have long considered this to be the quintessential ‘30s musical. Both music and lyrics are from the pen of the incomparable Cole Porter. (It has been suggested that buying this CD should be a requirement for all history students as Porter’s lyrics tell us about the decade’s current events). Ethel Merman was the star of the show in 1934, and on this 1988 recording Kim Criswell is in fine form belting out Ethel’s numbers but with more sweetness. The lovely Frederica von Stade, from the world of opera, sings beautifully although she is not ideally suited to her role. Chris Groenendaal and the African-American operatic baritone, Bruce Hubbard, are in good voice. Jack Gilford provides the humour with Be Like A Blackbird. John McGlinn, who helped reconstruct the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett and Hans Spialek, conducts the LSO and oversees the entire joyous proceedings with élan. For me, Mr Porter, YOU are the top! Ray Pavene

GILBERT & SULLIVAN The Mikado D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, New Symphony Orchestra of London / Isadore Godfrey; SULLIVAN Overtures Boston Promenade Orchestra / Arthur Fiedler; Pineapple Poll Pro Arte Orchestra / John Hollingsworth Magdalen METCD 8002 (73:33 & 73:31) Recorded under the direction of Bridget D’Oyly Carte at London’s Kingsway Hall in October 1957 and originally released on a Decca SKL double LP, this performance of ‘The Mikado’ (without dialogue) was opined at the time as the most desirable of all versions. It may have been superseded over the years but with Paul Arden-Taylor’s remastering it still remains a recommendable disc. For people who prefer Sullivan solo the second CD is completed by three overtures – The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, Iolanthe – never before issued on CD; and a lively version of Pineapple Poll, recorded by Pye in 1958. This is a generously timed, well-produced issue in every respect. Ray Pavene

GILBERT & SULLIVAN The Pirates of Penzance D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, New Symphony Orchestra of London / Isodore Godfrey; Medleys and Choral Arrangements Magdalen METCD 8007 (77:04 & 77:13) Another extremely well-filled and well-presented 2-CD set at a very favourable price. Like the issue above this recording, also from 1957, has always been considered to be one of the work’s liveliest and best sung performances. The stellar cast includes Thomas Round, Peter Pratt, Donald Adams and Jean Hindmarsh. Included for those who like their Sullivan sans Gilbert is another overture in mono and new to CD, The Mikado, by Fiedler and the BPO, as well as three ‘Gilbert and Sullivan Medleys’ – Pirates, Pinafore and Patience – arranged by Cruikshank, from 1955 and also new to CD, played by Harry (‘Those Were The Days’) Davidson* and his Orchestra, which are really rather good. The final 13 tracks are an engaging ‘A Gilbert and Sulllivan Songbook’ arranged by Ralph Hunter and performed by his Choir and Orchestra. This was recorded in 1959 and is another new to CD. James Murray’s first-rate notes inform us that Mr Hunter was a church organist before studying at Juilliard. He worked with Toscanini, NBC and Radio City Music Hall prior to forming the Ralph Hunter Choir. He also provided arrangements for Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba. Ray Pavene

(* "Harry Davidfils et Son Orchestre de Vieux Temps", as we used to call him as teenagers! – KT Ed.)

MY FAIR LADY & GIGI Original Casts 1956 & 1958 42 tracks Retrospective RTR 4181 (79.08) This reissue celebrates Alan Jay Lerner and Fritz Loewe, whose partnership reached its pinnacle in 1956 with ‘My Fair Lady’. Shaw opposed the transformation of ‘Pygmalion’ into a musical, but had he lived to see the result he would surely have been delighted. Everything about it was judged to be perfection; Shaw’s play remained unaltered as the basis, casting was superb, and many of the songs have become standards. The play enjoyed phenomenally long runs, both on Broadway and in the West End, and a hugely successful film version was made in 1964.

‘Gigi’ required a more elliptical approach, being based on Colette’s 1945 novella about the training of a courtesan, a subject acceptable in Parisian society but unmentionable in the supposedly more moral Hollywood! The quality of the songs was matched by the casting, albeit that Leslie Caron’s singing voice had to be dubbed by Betty Wand. Cast details are set out with the soundtrack, and the liner note provides background to the two productions, and a synopsis of the plots. They have been beautifully remastered and sparkle as if recorded yesterday. Barry McCanna

JOHAN HALVORSEN Orchestral Works Vol. 3 Ragnhild Hemsing (Hardanger fiddle); Marianne Thorsen (violin); Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / Neeme Järvi Chandos CHAN 10664 (79:53) This release embraces the composer’s final 3^rd Symphony, which was sketched in the summer of 1928 and completed the following autumn and winter. The work does not appear on first acquaintance to possess quite the same appeal as its two predecessors (see JIM 185 & 187) but these are, I stress, first impressions. The longest item here is incidental music to ‘Fossegrimen’, the mythical music master of all underground creatures from which Halvorsen extracted a 30-minute Dramatic Suite that prominently features the Hardanger fiddle, the Norwegian "national instrument", which I suspect may be something of an acquired taste. The most immediately appealing music here is undoubtably Bergensiana, an attractive set of variations probably based on a minuet by the French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully; and according to the informative booklet notes performed during the opening ceremony of the annual Bergen International Festival. With excellent recording and with the shorter pieces included on this disc (Black Swans, Wedding of Ravens in the Grove of the Crows, and Wedding March Op.32 No.1) well worth having, plus maximum playing time and not withstanding my reservations on the Symphony, which will I am sure grow in appeal on repeated hearings, anyone collecting this series will want this latest offering. Roger Hyslop

EDUARD KÜNNEKE The Prof & The Show Girl Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Künneke Dance Suite; Glückliche Reise (Bon Voyage) Highlights EVELYN KÜNNEKE Swings Songs of the 1940s Magdalen METCD 8005 (74:02) At the risk of some readers wondering "Where has he been?", I admit that here is a composer, singer and label all new to me. I gather that Eduard (1885-1953) was a successful composer of 1920s and ‘30’s operettas using dance forms. He also wrote the well-known song I’m only a strolling vagabond. His daughter Evelyn (1921-2001) was unfortunate in rising to fame as a singer, dancer and actress during WWII and her comments on the Nazi regime almost resulted in an early death. She remained popular even through the rock ‘n’ roll years and in old age toured in cabaret with two others in an act called Three Old Bags! The Dance Suite is subtitled Concerto Grosso in Five Movements for Jazzband and Large Orchestra. Each movement features a popular dance form such as tango, slow waltz and foxtrot. Including the overture to Glückliche, the disc contains 32½ minutes of orchestral music. More please! The nine songs are not really my thing but, apart from the attractively wistful Sing, Nachtigall, Sing (Sing, Nightingale, Sing), a German The White Cliffs of Dover, they maintain the jollity of the album. Paul Arden-Taylor has remastered the original mono recordings from Telefunken, Philips and Odeon; and the liner notes by James Murray are a mine of information. Edward Trub

(There are three tracks by Künneke from the "Dance Suite" already reissued on Guild – KT Ed.)

LEOPOLD MOZART Kammerorchester Berlin / Koch Toy Symphony; Peasant Wedding; Musical Sleigh-Ride WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Staatskapelle Dresden / Suitner A Musical Joke - Sextet for Small-town Band Berlin Classics 0300137BC (71:35) Another album that will appeal to anyone who appreciates humour in music. Father Leopold’s Peasant Wedding credits soloists on bagpipes and rattle! The boy genius son’s last track of his Joke will be familiar to those who have watched BBC’s show jumping coverage on TV. This is Mozart-lite, costing around £5 online, to put a smile on your face in these straitened times. Edward Trub

SULLIVAN Pineapple Poll; Henry VIII; Victoria and Merrie England Philharmonia Orchestra / Sir Charles Mackerras; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Royston Nash Eloquence ELQ4801284 (66:12) This reissue features the third and final recording Sir Charles Mackerras made of his ‘Pineapple Poll’ ballet captured in 1982 in gloriously full vivid vintage Kingsway Hall sound: an object lesson for any of today’s aspiring recording engineers. The ballet was originally premiered on the 13^th March 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and, apparently, Mackerras used tunes from all of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas save ‘Thespis’, ‘Utopia Limited’ and ‘The Grand Duke’. The resultant tuneful score and exuberant orchestration makes this a self-recommending disc, although as makeweights there are further attractions of short excerpts from ‘Henry VIII’ and the ballet ‘Victoria and Merrie England’ in performances by the RPO under Royston Nash recorded in a noticeably smaller acoustic, Decca’s West Hampstead studios. For the curious there is still available a recording of the ballet complete on Marco Polo 8.223677 – 78 minutes of music well worth investigating. Roger Hyslop

TCHAIKOVSKY Orchestral Favourites London Symphony Orchestra / Kenneth Alwyn Magdalen METCD 8007 (58:48) 1812 Festival Overture; Marche Slave and Capriccio Italien are from a legendary album: Decca’s very first stereophonic LP in 1958 (costing 28s 9d plus Purchase Tax). The booklet notes tell us that prospective purchasers were advised to warn their next-door neighbours before playing! It still sounds magnificent, with the addition of the Band of HM Grenadier Guards for the 1812. Kenneth Alwyn, Principal Conductor of the Royal Ballet, was a Tchaik specialist. (He also had a feel for light music and should have been better used by the record companies of the time). Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy features the great Sir John Barbirolli and his beloved Halle Orchestra in a 1957 version from Pye described as "white hot". This re-issue should be in your collection. Edward Trub

THE ART OF JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER 37 tracks on 2 CDs incl. Saints Saëns The Swan; Debussy Clair de Lune; Massenet Mėditation (from Thaļs); A Lloyd Webber Pie Jesu (from Requiem); Music of the Night (from The Phantom of the Opera); Theme from the South Bank Show; Elgar Chanson de Matin; Brahms Lullaby; Albinoni Adagio; Franck Panis Angelicus; Rutter Mary’s Lullaby; Rimsky-Korsakov Flight of the Bumble-Bee … ClassicfMfullworks CFMGA12 (77:58 & 77:32) The master of that beautiful but sometimes rather melancholic instrument, the cello, personally choose this selection on two packed albums available exclusively from HMV stores at a budget price. Julian’s own Song for Baba was inspired by the birth of his son. There is the added attraction of a new recording: Menotti’s Arioso for Two Cellos and Strings on which Lloyd Webber is joined by his wife Jiaxis Cheng, with John Wilson conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. All the pieces are melodic and the majority are ideal for quiet reflection or to help one "wind down". Edward Trub.

Recently received by Wilfred Askew including releases held over from our last issue

RAY CONNIFF The Singles Collection Vol. 3 26 tracks incl. Midnight Lace (Part II); Wednesday’s Child; Winds of Change; A Banda; It’s Only a Paper Moon; I Will Follow Him; Never Gonna Fall in Love Again … Collectables COL-CD-7943 (70:44)

RON GOODWIN Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2-CD set; 33 tracks Intrada Volume 161 (112:07) Limited to 2,000 copies

SKIP MARTIN AND HIS ORCHESTRA Speakeasy Blues 23 tracks incl. Truckin’; East of the Sun; Bye Bye Blackbird; You Turned the Tables on Me; Vilia; The Untouchables; Chicago; Charleston …

Montpellier MONT CD 073 (66:57)

THE McGUIRE SISTERS May You Always 28 Coral tracks incl. Volare; One Fine Day; Sugartime; Around the World; Weary Blues; Kiss Them for Me; The Last Dance; Anniversary Song; Shuffle Off to Buffalo … SEPIA 1152 (73:10) With Dick Jacobs, Neil Hefti, Lawrence Welk and Skip Martin.

THE MILLS BROTHERS Sing Their Great Hits In Stereo 48 tracks on 2-CD set incl. Paper Doll; Till Then; Lazy river; Margie; My Buddy; My Mother’s Eyes; Sleepy time Gal; My Wild Irish Rose; I’ll See You in My Dreams; Stardust; Once In a While … Jasmine JASCD 555 (125:56) Four original Dot albums.

KEEPING TRACK
Dateline June 2011

THE ASPIDISTRA DRAWING ROOM ORCHESTRA Happy Frog and Hot Canary The Happy Frog (Hanf); You are Forever My Favourite (Schmitz); You're Too Pretty (Kreuder); An Eriskay Lovelilt (Trad. arr. M Kennedy-Fraser); The Hot Canary (Nero); Tambourin (Gossec); Dreaming (Haydn Wood); The Goosetrot (Glahé); Pǻ Vestlandsk Bondestemna (Grimstad); Mia Bella Napoli (Winkler); Romances de la Neva (Bakos); Fra Fredriksvǽrn (Bull); Aus Eigensinn (Munsonius); Dream O' Day Jill (German); Roter Teufel (Plessow); The Belle of Brazil (Rubach); I Love Your Eyes of Grey (Haydn Wood); Fiddle Faddle (Anderson) (55:04) The discs of this eight strong orchestra are always eagerly awaited and this latest one, offering many quite rarely issued pieces, is as entertaining as ever. The ADRO field two singers '- Liz Menezes doubles also as a violinist and indeed as arranger '- both of whom have several opportunities. The 18 tracks are varied: foxtrots, tangos and other colourful, exotic numbers (The Belle of Brazil is a delight), lovely songs by Haydn Wood and Edward German, an 18th century piece of popular music (Tambourin, an opportunity for Ray Bell" piccolo), plus Scandinavian items, and they end with a particularly rhythmic account of Fiddle Faddle. All in all spirited playing, nicely recorded. Strongly recommended. Philip L Scowcroft

Available for £8.50 (plus £2 p&p in UK) from ADRO, 49 Bankside,

London SE1 9JE. More details at www.aspidistra.org.

BRIGHT AND BREEZY Guild GLCD5180 (78:52). For full track listing please see the Light Music CDs section of this website, or visit the Guild Music site where excerpts from all the tracks can be auditioned. You could almost hear the call "Lights, Camera, Action" prior to the opening number of this latest Guild release 'Bright and Breezy' which is also the title track by Peter Dennis: a typical show bizz/film opening number and newsreel backing of the 1950s, followed coincidentally or perhaps on purpose by Charles Williams' Jealous Lover which was used as the theme for Billy Wilder" 1960 film 'The Apartment', musical director Adolph Deutsch. The recording on this CD is by Billy Vaughn and his Orchestra and very good it is too. I've always thought of Vaughn as a jazz/swing musician but this is pure concert orchestra and Charles Williams would have given the thumbs up at this version I'm sure. This isn't the first time Charles Williams' music has appeared in an American feature film; one of his many Chappell mood pieces Barrage on C234 was used in 'The Rocketeer' (1991) as backing to a supposed Nazi propaganda cartoon and his name appears on the end credits. This sequence can be seen on YouTube. Upping the tempo somewhat we have the Harry Warren/Bob Russell number Carnival played by Les Baxter and his Orchestra followed by the Robert Farnon Orchestra with Bob" own arrangement of They Call the Wind Maria from 'Paint Your Wagon' and you can almost "see the wagon train crossing the prairie". I'm not sure that Ragazza Romanza as played by The Melachrino Orchestra comes under the banner of "bright and breezy", or Misty played by The Knightsbridge Strings, but Painted Carousels from the De Wolfe Library by Anthony Mawer and Bill Davies" Toy Town Trumpeters from the Josef Weinberger library certainly do. Ernie Freeman, sometimes known as Sir Chauncey (where do they get these monikers from?) and his Orchestra play a piece called Midi-Midinette and as I'd no idea what a 'midinette' is I checked out my Chambers Dictionary: it" a "young female worker, especially in the Paris fashion or millinery business" from the South of France and after all that it" not a bad piece either, the music I mean. The Starlight Symphony conducted by Cyril Ornadel give a super performance of Begin the Beguine from 'Jubilee' by Cole Porter with what sounds like a wordless chorus, then the tempo perks up courtesy of Reg Owen and his Orchestra with Bambalina which needed three writers, Vincent Youmans, Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein to pen it. Although not "bright and breezy" Bob Farnon" Players Cigarettes Commercials music Sea Shore played by Rawicz and Landauer and accompanied by Wally Stott" Orchestra make a pleasing contribution to the programme ... but back to the theme of the CD: Ivor Slaney" Stringendo, Dancing Daffodils by the Guy Luypaerts Orchestra and Up and Coming by the unsung Cyril Watters get the tempo back on track. Still up to speed is a topnotch recording on the Embassy Label of Marquina" Spanish Gypsy Dance by Jacques Leroy and his Orchestra, whoever he is or was. Go to the top of the class if you know. From the MGM 1936 film 'San Francisco' comes the title number in this splendid arrangement by Carmen Dragon who conducts the Standard School Broadcast Orchestra on a transcription disc recorded in Capitol Studios in 1960. The CD ends with a 1937 German recording of the Ernst Fischer suite 'South of the Alps' played by a Concert Orchestra conducted by Bruno Seidler-Winkler. A fine piece of Continental light music to end this 80th Guild Light Music release. Ken Wilkins

GORDON FRANKS AND HIS ORCHESTRA Orchestral In The Night Love in the Open Air; Brazil; It" Nice to Go Trav'ling; You Only Live Twice; Sweet Georgia Brown; La Ronde; The More I See You; A Girl in Calico; Ay Ay Ay; A Walk in the Black Forest; I Remember You; In Old Lisbon Strings In The Night La Dolce Vita; The Young Girls of Rochefort; Carnival; Les Parapluies de Cherbourg; Un Homme et Une Femme; Never on Sunda; Viva Maria; Jeux Interdits; Rocco" Theme; Mondo Cane; Rififi; La Strada Vocalion CDLK 4423   I bought this CD for the essential reason for me, the appeal of the songs. The sound quality is first-class. However my feeling is that for releases from 1967 the arrangements sound pleasant but dated, rather ten years back in time and as such somewhat uninspired. By comparison, for example, Frank Chacksfield and his arrangers had for me moved on better with interpretations of pop songs of the '60s era. Graham Self

RON GOODWIN & HIS ORCHESTRA Gypsy Fire & Rhythm and Romance CD 1: The Gypsy Fiddler; Black Eyes; The ritual Fire Dance; Adaluza; Hora Staccato; Gypsy Moon; Czardas; La Paloma; Bublitschki; Play Gypsy; Two Guitars; Hejre Kati; CD 2: South Rampart Street Parade; Temptation; Cherokee; Jealousy; I'll See You in My Dreams; Brazil; Stardust; Deep Purple; Laura; The Touch of Your Lips; Return My Love (Goodwin); Send in the Clowns Vocalion CDLK 4435 (45:42 & 42:50) After a long wait, how good to have not one but two of Ron" albums back in the catalogue, and both for the first time on CD. The first album, released in 1967, was produced by the legendary (now Sir) George Martin and has been described online as a "real light classic gem". I won't argue with that. The first track was composed by orchestra leader Ralph Elman. The second album, from nine years later, has an exhilarating opening that brings to mind Ron" Trumpet Volunteer on 'The Best of Sellers' 10" LP. The remainder of the album gives us Ron" stylish arrangements of three Latin American popular classics, and some of the best love songs in the business as well as Ron" own romantic number. The oboe led last track is as beautiful a version of Sondheim" evocative opus as I have ever heard. Liner notes by David Ades are as informative as ever. Among all the light music albums reviewed here, this release goes to the top of the pile and is my CD CHOICE for June. Peter Burt

CHRIS DEAN" SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA A Night at the Movies Strike up the Band; Misty; Hooray for Hollywood; It" Magic; With a Song in My Heart; Laura; Put on a Happy Face; Marcel McTattie LeCoq; It" Alright with Me; Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Alexander" Ragtime Band; Tara" Theme; The Pink Panther; Smile; Bond Medley- Theme/You Only Live Twice/On Her Majesty" Secret Service/ Nobody Does it Better/From Russia with Love/For Your Eyes Only/Thunderball/ Live and Let Die/We Have All the Time in the World/Goldfinger Avid IMCD004 (60:45) Ever since the inception of the Hollywood musicals the movies have been a rich source of great songs for bandleaders, and this new release shows that the tradition is alive and well, and in good hands. Gershwin's opener was the title song for the musical play which made it to the silver screen in 1940. Like some of the other numbers it's played in the Roland Shaw arrangement, whilst Billy May and Nelson Riddle get a look in also. The selection provides plenty of variety, with a nice balance between instrumentals '- with precise ensemble playing punctuated by featured soloists '- and excellent vocals. I'm delighted at the inclusion of a number penned especially for the late much-missed Malcolm Laycock, which takes as its title his adopted soubriquet. I can pay this CD no greater compliment than to say he would have loved it. Barry McCanna

MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA An Album of Favourite Tangos and Waltzes Jealousy; A Media Luz; Araña de la Noche*; Besame Mucho; Tango de la Luna*; Red Petticoats*; Adios Muchachos; Blauer Himmel; El Choclo; La Cumparsita; Chiquita Mia*; Tango Delle Rose / Dear Love, My Love; Greensleeves; Mexicali Rose; It Happened in Monterey; Poème (My Moonlight Madonna); I Love You Truly; Lovely Lady; Love, Here Is My Heart; At Dawning; Was It a Dream; Love" Roundabout (Love Makes the World Go Round); Dancing with Tears in My Eyes [*composed by Mantovani]Vocalion CDVS 1967 (68:39) Having brought us all Monty" stereo output, Mike Dutton now looks as if he is turning his attention to the great man" mono albums. The 'Favourite Tangos' LP was originally recorded at Decca" West Hampstead studios between 20th June 1952 and 10th April 1953 '- the year in which it was released. It makes a fine companion to the later stereo compilation ('Old and New Fangled Tangos'/'Folk Songs Around the World' on Vocalion CDLK4265) with which it has four tracks in common. 'Favourite Waltzes' was the maestro" first 12-inch LP and comes from a year earlier although recording began in November 1951. It is an absolutely delightful compilation of melodies with that distinctive Ronald Binge orchestrated post-Charmaine "Marmite" string sound [love or loathe it] well to the fore but not excessively so. Once again Colin Mackenzie" liner notes enhance the listening pleasure. This is one of three Vocalion CDs priced at £2.99 although, as I have bemoaned before, virtually impossible to obtain at that price from the usual online suppliers. Orders direct to Dutton incur p&p charges. But, still, a great bargain! Peter Burt

PAUL MAURIAT & HIS ORCHESTRA Rhythm And Blues & The Paul Mauriat Orchestra 24 tracks incl. Respect; Unchain My Heart; I've Been Loving You Too Long; Natural Woman; Last Night; You Keep Me Hangin' On ... / El Bimbo; Mandy; Angie Baby; I Got a Name; Rock Your Baby; Have you Never Been Mellow ... Vocalion CDLK 4433 (72:46) One of "Les Grands Trois" of French light music maestros from the 1950s to the 1980s (the others being Franck Pourcel and Raymond Lefèvre), M. Mauriat will probably be quite well represented in our collections as there are over 220 of his albums listed at www.best-cd-price.co.uk. He had one of the largest recording catalogues featuring more than 1000 titles just from his Polygram years of 1965 to 1993. From this period here" a 2-on-1 disc of fairly undemanding Mauriat fare to add to your shelves. The conductor is responsible for all the arrangements on the second album, which features the Hawaiian guitar of Marcel Blanchi on Mauriat" own Pacific Holiday. Presumably Philips thought they knew what the public expected and did not bother with sleeve notes '- hence no liner notes here. Simon Peters

MELACHRINO & HIS ORCHESTRA The Music of Victor Herbert & The Music of Sigmund Romberg 24 tracks incl. Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life; March of the Toys; Gypsy Love Song; I'm Falling in Love with Someone; The Streets of New York; Italian Street Song ... Deep in My Heart, Dear; Lover, Come Back to Me; The Riff Song; One Alone; Wanting You; The Desert Song ... Vocalion CDVS 1968 (74:55) A further release at the lowest possible price point from another of light music" great conductors and orchestra. Both these RCA albums from 1960 are in stereo and it would be difficult to find a more melodic compilation. A review at the time described the playing as "splendidly vital and with an exceptionally live and immediate sound for the string choir". Herbert was born in 1859 (he died in 1924) and became the dominant and most influential composer, mainly in operetta vein, for the musical theatre in America. The selection here will be familiar to most. When I was growing up 'Desert Song, 'New Moon' and 'Student Prince' were standard fare for amateur operatic/dramatic societies throughout the land. All three shows are represented in the second album of best-known tunes from another American composer, the Hungarian-born Romberg (1887'-1951). Vocalion reprint Stanley Green" sleeve notes from the original LPs, and there is a most attractive booklet front. Fine stuff! Peter Burt

THE MELODY LINGERS ON 28 Radio Favourites 1952-1960 Marching Strings (Ray Martin" Concert Orchestra); Meet Mister Callaghan (Frank Chacksfield" Tunesmiths); Marianina (Norrie Paramor" Concert Orchestra); Violin Boogie (The Max Jaffa Quintet); Blue Tango (Ray Martin" Concert Orchestra); Theme From Modern Times ('Smile') (Ron Goodwin" Concert Orchestra); Delicado (Frank Cordell & His Orchestra); Gabrielle (Cyril Stapleton & His Orchestra); Little Red Monkey (Frank Chacksfield" Tunesmiths); Terry" Theme from Limelight (Ron Goodwin" Concert Orchestra); Jamaican Rumba (Mantovani & His Orchestra); Song Of The Sea (Canção do mar) (The Melachrino Orchestra); Serenade To Eileen (Stanley Black & His Orchestra); Carnavalito (Cyril Stapleton & His Orchestra); Cresta Run (Sidney Torch & His Orchestra); Violin Samba (The Max Jaffa Quintet); No Other Love (Ron Goodwin" Concert Orchestra); Zambezi (Joe Loss & His Orchestra); The Banks Of The Seine (Frank Chacksfield & His Orchestra); Stranger Than Fiction (Sidney Torch" Orchestra); The Lily Watkins Theme (The Melachrino Orchestra); Flamenco Love (Frank Cordell & His Orchestra); Lazy Cowboy (Ray Martin" Concert Orchestra); The Italian Theme (Cyril Stapleton & His Orchestra); Theme from Last Rhapsody (Stanley Black wIth Mantovani & His Orchestra); Red Cloak (Ron Goodwin" Concert Orchestra); The Windows Of Paris (Tony Osborne & His Orchestra); Theme from A Summer Place (Norrie Paramor & His Orchestra) Delta Bygone Days BYD77062 (73:00). This is the anticipated follow-up to the 'Journey Into Melody' CD reviewed in our last issue. Its success has prompted this speedy sequel, which contains a feast of splendid light music. If you regularly collect similar compilations you will probably have some of the numbers, but there should be sufficient new titles to encourage you to purchase '- especially as it is available at a bargain price. Congratulations to Peter Dempsey for compiling and annotating another entertaining feast of nostalgia. David Ades

WERNER MULLER & HIS ORCHESTRA Learn To Love & Sentimental Journey 22 tracks incl. Let" Stay Together; With You Gone; You're a Lady; Learn to Love; The Impossible Dream; Clair; Theme from 'Lost Horizon' ... / I'm in the Mood for Love; I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm; Moonlight Serenade; At Last; Mood Indigo ... Vocalion CDLK 4432 (77:03) Although he has around 90 albums listed, it seems that there is less information on Werner Muller than practically any other internationally known light music maestro, even with the help of Google! And the various Vocalion re-issues I've seen, good as they are, do not provide any liner notes on the man or his music. I have discovered that he was born in Berlin in 1920 and that he spent many years conducting two of Germany" most popular radio orchestras '- RIAS and WDR. He died in 1998. With this re-issue, on CD for the first time, we have two original Decca Phase 4 albums, the first from 1973, the second from four years later. The Muller concert orchestra is possibly more dominated by the brass section than some of its contempories and, although very well recorded (the recording engineer on both albums is Arthur Lilley, who played such a big part in the success of Mantovani" recordings), maybe does not have as strong a personality of its own as some others. The opening track, Mouldy Old Dough, is one of those tunes you find yourself constantly replaying. The second album is mellower as befits the tune selection, although there is variety as Rimsky-Korsakov" Song of India is followed by Duke Ellington" Satin Doll. One of the best tracks for me is Begin the Beguine. With a nice string sound throughout, this is an attractive release. Peter Burt

WOOLF PHILLIPS The Lullaby of Broadway (The Music of Dubin and Warren) & JACK PAYNE Say It With Music Lullaby of Broadway; I Only Have Eyes for You; You're Getting to be a Habit with Me; The Rose in Her Hair; Would you Like to Take a Walk; Forty Second Street; September in the Rain; Shuffle off to Buffalo; Shadow Waltz; You'll Never Know; Young and Healthy / Say in with Music; I'm in the Mood for Love; I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You); Try a Little Tenderness; Guilty; I Surrender, Dear; There" a Small Hotel; Just One More Chance; Blue Pacific Moonlight; Memories of you; Love in bloom; Love is the Sweetest Thing Vocalion CDVS 1970 (70:22) Another bargain at £2.99! When he died in 2003, aged 84, Woolf Phillips obituary in The Independent described him "as one of the last surviving major big-band leaders of the post-war British dance band scene". Not all our readers may realize that Sid Phillips was his older brother. After war service he had been an arranger for Geraldo" orchestra alongside Robert Farnon and Wally Stott (Angela Morley), and from November 1947 to September 1949 he led the famous Skyrockets orchestra. He is probably best remembered as bandleader, MC and comedy foil at the London Palladium during its heyday between 1947 and 1953. I seem to remember him, too, as MD for Vera Lynn on TV. His album here in full orchestral arrangements features the work of Al Dubin and Harry Warren who wrote some of the biggest hit songs of the 1930s. Jack Payne (1899-1969) may be remembered by our oldest readers as Director of Dance Music for the BBC at Savoy Hill, leading the BBC Dance Orchestra until he was succeeded by Henry Hall in 1932. He returned to the Beeb as Director of Dance Music for five years from 1941. I first became a fan in the early '50s when he was a notable radio disc jockey and in 1955 presenting his own TV show 'Words and Music', which ran for three series. The arrangers on this album are Dick Barrell, Brian Fahey and Tony Osborne. All credit to Mike Dutton (again!) for resuscitating these two immaculately played tuneful albums, with uncredited instructive original LP sleeve notes, from 1956 and 1958 respectively. Peter Burt

FRANCK POURCEL & HIS ORCHESTRA  Magnifique & Girls 24 tracks incl.  Un Jour Se Lève; Yesterday; Mon Coeur D'Attache; (Manuel Benitez) El Cordobés; Le Ciel, Le Soleil et La Mer; Quand on est Ensemble; Solenzara; Előise; Laura; Hello, Dolly!; Lili Marlene; Louise; Maria Elena; Maria; I Want to Be Happy; Mrs Robinson; Delilah; Brigitte; Pilar Vocalion CDLK 4441 [63.23]
This superb new Franck Pourcel two-on-one is worthy of your attention not only for its terrific arrangements but also for the carefully crafted inlay notes which outline his distinguished career in some detail. Deservedly so, too, because Franck was one of the leading exponents of the modern orchestral format, making over 200 albums, a fraction of which, unfortunately, were made available in the British Isles. A masterly perfectionist in all he did, Pourcel highlighted the use of high-pitched strings, wordless female vocals and intriguing rhythms so well you could instantly recognise one of his recordings. A particularly good example of his ability to transform a good pop song into an instrumental gem is his treatment of Gilbert Bécaud's Seul Sur Son Ėtoile which later became the English language hit It Must Be Him, sung by Vikki Carr. Other highlights from this collection include the delightful Girl (where the strings reign supreme), Lara's Theme, Thunderball, Eloise and a hauntingly dramatic version of the continental hit Merci Cherie. This timely issue is a worthy testament to the memory of a truly great interpreter of the modern light orchestral album. Scott Raeburn

BARNABAS VON GÉCZY AND HIS SALON ORCHESTRA Volume 1 Cuban Dance; Poeme; Come With Me To Madeira; Blue Sky; Close Your Eyes and Dream; Ragamuffin; Quietly Comes the Night; Fresh Breeze; Siboney; Pony; Rustle of Spring, etc...26 tracks Frank Bristow FBCD262 (77:15). Volume 2 Sicilia; My Beautiful Hungary; Valse Triste; Artists Life; Bavarian Polka; Sparrow" Concert, etc...21 tracks Frank Bristow FBCD263 (78:21). Whenever light music buffs talk about German salon music of the inter-war years the name Barnabas von Géczy inevitably crops up. It seems that collectors simply can't get enough of his recordings, so many of them will be over the moon with these new CDs from our friend Frank Bristow in Australia. The repertoire ranges from catchy light novelties such as Josef Rixner" Ragamuffin (originally called Spitzbub) through familiar 'Palm Court' favourites like Im Chambre Separee to a few more substantial works by Haydn, Hellmesberger and Strauss. The booklets are packed with information, and Mike Redstone" digital restorations are top class. If this is your kind of repertoire, you'll want to snap these two up straight away! David Ades

Frank Bristow" CDs are only available direct from him at 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia. Tel. 063-9528-3167 Email: franbris@optusnet.com.au website: www.musicfromthepast.com Credit cards and Paypal are accepted, but no cheques '- details from Frank on request.

HELMUT ZACHARIAS & HIS MAGIC VIOLINS On Lovers' Road & Candlelight Serenade The Man I Love; Body and Soul; Moonglow; I've Got You Under My Skin; April in Paris; You Go to My Head; Makin' Whoopee; I Can't Give You Anything But Love; Love is Here to Stay; Dream; Embraceable You; Love for Sale / Le Chanson d'Orphée; Mare Nostrum; The Gypsy; Angentina Serenade; Namenlos; Adieu Tristesse; Windows of Paris; La Montaña ;The three Bells; Otra Puerta; Mona Lisa; Pernambuco Vocalion 4442 (66:06) The last but no means the least of, at the time of writing, the latest Vocalion re-issues of light orchestral music features Helmut Zacharias (1920-2002) who in the 1950s was considered to be one of the best jazz violinists in Europe and was dubbed "The Magic Violinist" and "Germany" Mr Violin", selling over 14 million records worldwide. His biggest hit with his orchestra was his own composition, Tokyo Melody,the theme for the 1964 Olympics. On this CD the first 12 tracks are standard songs given a lush smooth treatment by the massed strings. The second brace are not quite so familiar but are also highly listenable to in Zacharias" own arrangements. Peter Burt

THE FILM MUSIC OF DOREEN CARWITHEN BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland Boys in Brown; Three Cases of Murder; Mantrap; To the Public Danger; Men of Sherwood Forest; East Anglian Holiday; Travel Royal. Dutton Epoch CDLX 7266 (60:00) Doreen Carwithen was the amanuensis of William Alwyn whom she later married. Her music has a distinctive lyrical quality and is thoroughly approachable as light music; indeed had she been a man we would have heard a great deal more about her. This is a great CD and an excellent sequel to her Chandos disc (re-issued on CHAN 10365X) both of which you will want to play over and over again. Very highly recommended, especially as the music has been reconstructed by Philip Lane. The first five works are from dramatic films, the last two from travel documentaries. Edmund Whitehouse

THE FILM MUSIC OF BRIAN EASDALE BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Rumon Gamba The Red Shoes; Kew Gardens; Black Narcissus; Battle of the River Plate; Adventure On; Gone to Earth Chandos CHAN 10636 (75:00) British films from the 1930s to the 1960s often had superb background music, which complemented the storyline perfectly but many, if not most, were jettisoned as being of little or no value once the film was released. Philip Lane has spent a massive amount of time rescoring them for recorded performance and here are his latest offerings, supplemented by John Wilson. The Red Shoes starred Moira Shearer as a doomed ballet dancer; Battle of the River Plate starred John Gregson, Anthony Quayle and Peter Finch chasing the German pocket battleship Graf Spee; Black Narcissus starred Deborah Kerr and Jean Simmons as two nuns in a doomed wartime love story; Gone to Earth starred Jennifer Jones, David Farrar, Cyril Cusack and the semi-blind Esmond Knight chasing foxes and each other; Adventure On (the suite from which was dedicated to Sir John Barbirolli) was a documentary about Massey Ferguson farm equipment; while Kew Gardens does exactly what is says on the label, depicting changing horticultural scenes south of the River Thames. Older film buffs will love these sounds of reconstructed old film music. Edmund Whitehouse

DEBBIE WISEMAN 'The Promise' (Original Television Soundtrack) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Debbie Wiseman. Silva Screen SILCD1354 (74:41). During February Channel 4 in the UK screened an epic four-part drama documentary 'The Promise'. Debbie" score is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and is one of her most ambitious scores to date which, alongside the traditional orchestra, includes a vast array of ethnic performers. The story of the film centres around a British girl who travels to Israel/Palestine and retraces the steps of her grandfather who was a British soldier stationed there in the 1940s. To bring this story to life musically Debbie has drawn on Arabic and ethnic influences, and has featured the Duduk, Kaval, Dud, Arabic violin, Arabic vocal, and ethnic percussion '- as well as a full symphony orchestra of strings and woodwind. In a press release accompanying the launch of the soundtrack album, Debbie said: "Working with director Peter Kosminsky again on 'The Promise' has been one of the most exciting and musically challenging projects of my career. Writing over 4 hours of music for the films, and weaving the western and ethnic eastern instrumentation together for this heartbreaking story was a massive challenge. It was a real delight to conduct the sessions with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the diverse solo performers '- I really didn't want it to end!" Debbie is also heard playing the piano, and the CD comes with a lavishly illustrated booklet that will delight viewers wanting a permanent souvenir of the series. This is the latest in a long series of prestigious projects by one of the finest composers working in television and films today, and it is warmly recommended to readers who like to include this kind of repertoire in their collections. David Ades

THE CLARINET CONNECTION In Accord Tanguisomo; Domino; Canzonetta, Op 19 (Pierné); Sicilienne (von Paradis); Organ Prelude No 8 [BWV560] (J S Bach); I Wiil Wait for You; Misty; Paris Medley; Un Homme et Une Femme; A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square; The Shadow of Your Smile; Second Waltz [Suite for Variety Stage Orchestra] (Shostakovitch); Extasis; Oblivion; Czardas (Monti) DJC Records DJC031 (42:05) The playing, production and presentation here are all excellent and this album has given me much pleasure. Andrew McCullough on clarinet and Peter Ayers on accordion are joined by the double bass of Christopher Finch and the percussion of Ian Chopping in a wide ranging programme including three pieces by Ấstor Piazzolla. Being a pushover for the evocative sound of the accordion, I found it and the tango rhythm irresistible. And who would have expected an accordion to play a Bach Organ Prelude? I also loved the instrument in musette mode on Paris Medley, written to entertain Orient Express passengers. Even one of my all-time unfavourite tunes, A Man and a Woman,composed by Francis Lai (himself an accordionist) is bearable. A slight cavil is that I would have been even happier with a playing time of nearer an hour '- quantity as well as quality. I urge you to get this CD and to share in the obvious enjoyment of the players. Peter Burt

To buy a copy of 'In Accord' for £10 (incl. p&p), contact Peter Ayers, 40 St Michaels Way, Brundall, Norwich NR13 5PF; tel: 01603 713565; email: peter.ayers@tesco.net

PHIL KELSALL Plays The Technics SX-FA1 The Entertainer The Entertainer, Spanish Eyes; Side Saddle; Midnite Blue; Thunderbirds; Whistle Down The Wind; Music Box Dancer; Twilight Time; Morning Has Broken; Spanish Harlem; Aces High (from 'The Battle of Britain'); Vision On (Left Bank Two); Elvira Madigan; Belle Of The Ball; Peacherine Rag; Lonely Shepherd; Crazy; My Heart Will Go On (Love theme from 'Titanic'); España, My Way Grasmere GRCD 134 (76:20) A pleasant well-filled compilation of varied re-issues from the "King of Blackpool Tower Ballroom" for the past 36 years. But, nota bene, here he is not playing the famous Wurlitzer but his touring organ with its quite different sound. This album has grown on me with repeated hearings, although I still miss the resonance of the larger instrument. Music Box Dancer is delightful and the rather attractive Joplin Rag is one I've not heard before. Evidently concert tour audiences are very appreciative of the instrument so good sales should ensue. The disc is produced by Mr Kelsall and our fellow RFS member Tim Wills. Even without the "big W", at under £6 online this is well worth a whirl. Peter Burt

NIGEL OGDEN Pure Nostalgia 14 tracks incl. The Middy; Guys and Dolls Selection; Deep Purple; Funeral March of a Marionette; Is It True What They Say About Dixie?; Tower Ballroom Classics; Quickstepping with Jerome Kern; Moonlight in Vermont; Television Themes ... Grasmere GRCD135 (73:47) It is the Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer Organ but at the console the long-time presenter of Radio 2" 'The Organist Entertains' . The recording was evidently made on one of the coldest days in November last year. It arrived in early April on one of the hottest days so far this year. I have heard Nigel live in a nonconformist chapel and he is a fine player. (Interestingly, he includes two hymn tunes in his final selection Lest We Forget). One can only marvel here at his control over this super instrument. The album is an eclectic compilation that should give pleasure to all lovers of that special "Blackpool sound". Peter Burt

TONY BENNETT While We're Young 57 tracks incl. Cold, Cold Heart; Always; Just in Time; It" Magic; Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Stranger in Paradise; Rags to Riches; Blue Velvet; Sing You Sinners ... Jasmine JASCD 679 (79:00 & 79:31) This generous package presents Tony Bennett singing for the most part slow ballads. His rich full-throated voice is admirably suited to the material, and sound quality is excellent. The tracklist shows that he" aided and abetted by some of the best accompanists of the time, in particular Percy Faith. Robert Nickora" liner note hints that the compilation spans the middle to late fifties, but actual recording dates are omitted. Barry McCanna

BING CROSBY Through The Years : Volume Seven 36 tracks incl. Learn to croon; Thanks; Muddy water; Mississippi mud; My kinda love; I surrender, Dear; Oh! Tell me why; If you love me; Down the Old Ox Road; Black moonlight; The day you came along; After sundown; Temptation; Love thy neighbour; May I? ... Sepia 1167 (74:27) The latest volume of this comprehensive series by the great Bing reaches 1954. Most of the tracks between April and June (accompanied by Buddy Cole and his Trio) are from 'A Musical Autobiography', Decca" 20th anniversary celebration issue of five LPs in tribute to their most successful star. Standout tracks for me include two of my favourite songs, Love in bloom and It" easy to remember, and also What can you do with a General? and Count your blessings '- both from the 'White Christmas' movie. All the tracks are introduced by the man himself and, although extremely interesting, might not make this compilation ideal for repeated listening ...? A 12-page booklet of notes by Malcolm Macfarlane is a model of its kind. Peter Burt

BARBARA DICKSON The Essential Barbara Dickson 56 tracks incl: January February; Answer me; Memory; I don't know how to love him; Don't cry for me Argentina; Natural woman; Anyone who had a heart; My Lagan Love; Who knows where the time goes; Farewell to Whiskey; ... // Time after time; September song; Don't think twice it" alright; Sule Skerry; If you go away; She" leaving home; The times they are a-changin' (with Gerry Rafferty);I think its gonna rain today; The dark end of the street; Tell me it" not true; ... Metro CD650 (75:11 & 77:15)A few months ago in Back Tracks I encouraged you to buy a budget price disc by Barbara Dickson, actress, pianist, songwriter and singer. Now, alongside her latest album 'Words Unspoken' (Greentrax CDTRAX 353), on which she returns to her folk roots, we have a 2½ hour 2-CD compilation with good liner notes for around a fiver that must rate as the best bargain of the year so far. It contains a good mix of contemporary show tunes '- in 1985 she had a Top 20 hit with Another suitcase in another hall from 'Evita' and a No.1 with Elaine Paige on I know him so well from 'Chess' (still the all-time worldwide best-selling duet by two females) '- as well as folk numbers and excellent cover versions of other artists' hits. Barbara has a lovely voice, and it is no surprise to read that her debut album in the '70s sold more than 600,000 copies and stayed in the charts for more than a year. She received an OBE in the 2001 New Year" Honours List for her "service to music and drama." Not bad for someone whose early ambition as a wee Scots lassie was just to sing like Doris Day! Peter Burt

HUTCH (LESLIE A HUTCHINSON} Let" Do It - His 50 Finest 1929-1947 incl. Ain't Misbehavin'; Lover; Don't Blame Me; Night And Day; Dinner For One, Please, James; It" De-Lovely; Let" Call It A Day; The Woodpecker Song; These Foolish Things; Deep Purple; My Prayer; Whispering Grass; Let There Be Love; Jealousy; La Mer ... Retrospective RTS 4168 (78:58) & (78:41) a Although in essence this is a compilation that was issued in 2002 on the now defunct Living Era label, it deserves to be judged on its own merits, which are considerable. Between 1929 and 1947 Hutch recorded over 600 sides, initially for Parlophone (including some with Harry Roy, seven of which are included), changing to HMV in May 1940. They took in some of the greatest songs of the thirties and forties, and that" reflected in this selection. Hutch was a song stylist, and the combination of his husky throbbing voice and his accompaniment convey potent charm. Sound quality is excellent, as is Peter Dempsey" liner note. Barry McCanna

PEGGY LEE The Hits and More 53 tracks incl. Manana; Caramba it" the Samba; Riders in the Sky; Lover; Fever; My Heart Belongs to Daddy; Johnny Guitar; Sing a Rainbow; The Siamese Cat Song ... Jasmine JASCD 579 (76:55 & 77:02) This compilation spans just over a decade, from 1948 to 1959, when Peggy Lee was at the peak of her illustrious career. The tracklist shows year of recording and chart place but not accompaniment, although Ossie Dales' relatively brief liner note does refer to her album with George Shearing, from which You Came a Long Way From St. Louis has been included. Barry McCanna

MARGARET WHITING" Great Hits It might as well be Spring; A tree in the meadow; A wonderful guy; My ideal; Come rain or come shine; Baby, it" cold outside (with Bill Lee); That old black magic; Moonlight in Vermont; Now is the hour; Slippin' around; Faraway places; My foolish heart; Guilty; Let" go to church; Morgen; Lavender blue; I've been there; Till there was you; The Three Bells; Broken hearted melody; I loves you Porgy; What a diff'rence a day made; I only have eyes for you; My wish came true; Glad to be unhappy; Little girl blue; One for my baby Sepia 1163 (74:13) Margaret Whiting was a popular singer par excellence who died earlier this year, aged 86. She recorded for Capitol Records from soon after it was founded in 1942 for 15 years and had a string of more than 40 hits from '46 to '54. The biggest of these included Now is the hour, A tree in the meadow, and Faraway places, all Nos.1 or 2 in '48, then with Country & Western star Jimmy Wakely on Slippin' around, No.1 in '49. She joined Dot Records in 1957 and re-recorded in stereo her 'Greatest Hits',which comprise the first 14 tracks on this outstanding disc. She was fortunate in having as her arranger and conductor Russ Garcia, who was in the process of becoming a big name in Los Angeles jazz circles. The next ten tracks were issued as the album 'Top Ten Hits' in 1959. This time Milt Rogers does the honours as arranger/conductor. Great to hear The Three Bells again after many years, though it does not oust the version by Les Compagnons de la Chanson in my affections. Sepia has something of a coup with the last three tracks: the first-time release of rare performances accompanied by pianist Walter Gross. The CD booklet is well up to the high standard we have come to expect. This release is a wonderful memento of a beautiful vocalist singing quality songs, and has given me a great deal of listening pleasure. It will surely do the same for you. Peter Burt

GARY WILLIAMS Let There Be Love - A Celebration of Nat 'King' Cole 18 tracks incl. Let" Face The Music And Dance; It" Only A Paper Moon/This Can't Be Love; Nature Boy; Dance Ballerina Dance; Day In - Day Out; The End Of A Love Affair; Smile; L-O-V-E ... Bos Entertainment BOS6819 [47:49].Back in May 2004 a sound engineer at the Caxton Theatre in Grimsby happened to make a recording of Gary in concert with the James Pearson Trio. It was never intended for release, and Gary had forgotten about it until he came across it last year. Happily for his many admirers he decided that it deserved to reach a wider audience. Gary needs no introduction to readers of this magazine; his work has been praised by us on many occasions in the past. This time we find him in a sophisticated cabaret setting, with superb arrangements by Andrew Cottee. Gary sings in the kind of relaxed and confident manner that can only be achieved by a performer with plenty of experience and bucketfuls of talent. Both Gary and Andrew have deservedly enjoyed considerable success in their careers since 2004, and long may they both continue to regale us with top quality popular music. The future is bright with talents like this around on the scene. David Ades

75 GLENN MILLER MASTERPIECES Original Radio Broadcasts Glenn Miller and his Orchestra 42 tracks Sepia 1165 (67:42 & 65:51) The music of Glenn Miller has been with us for some 70 years and, like all things of quality, one never tires of the emotion that it evokes in one" musical soul. This 2 CD set certainly captures the nostalgia of the wartime austerity years of the early 1940s. What make the recordings even more evocative are the introductions to some of the tracks by Glenn Miller in person. The music is quite a surprise with many tracks unfamiliar to the average dance band listener. But that said, it is for you the listener to decide on your personal preferences. Some of the Miller classics are here but unless you are an avid Glenn Miller aficionado I would be very surprised if anyone has heard all the tracks played by the great bandleader" orchestra. My personal favourite is Perfidia, which incidentally was also played by The Shadows. Listen to both and compare. Another track that is particularly "smooth" is Blues in the night, with delightful vocal accompaniment and quite exquisite muted trumpet. To write too much about such famous people and their music cannot do justice to the listening experience. Suggest you buy and enjoy. Roger Chantler

THE SQUADRONAIRES The Royal Air Force Dance Orchestra : Twenty-Five Original Recordings from 1941 to 1953 Digitally Remastered incl. Amapola; Down Forget-Me-Not Lane; Anchors Aweigh; Harlem Sandman; A Journey to a Star; March of the Movies; No Name Jive; ... Bygone Days BYD77061  (77:55) The first sixteen tracks in this compilation were recorded in wartime, when the RAF Dance Orchestra recorded "by permission of the Air Council", after which it became known as The Squadronaires. But for the last three tracks, which were recorded under Ronnie Aldrich" leadership, Jimmy Miller was the director, and he takes some of the vocals, as do Beryl Davis and guitarist Sid Colin. Two tracks in particular will clinch the appeal of this reissue, namely Come Out Come Out, Wherever You Are/It Must be Jelly,and I Heard You Cried Last Night/I've Found a New Baby, both of which were recorded for ENSA in mid-1944.   Barry McCanna

ALADDIN (ORIGINAL LONDON CAST) / CINDERELLA 23 tracks Sepia 1162 (66:22) 'Aladdin', with music and lyrics by Cole Porter in what was to be his final project, first saw the light of day as an American television musical. A substantially different stage show was produced by Harold Fielding at the London Coliseum for Christmas 1960. It starred a young Bob Monkhouse, Doretta Morrow and Ronald Shiner. Direction and choreography were by Robert Helpmann and Bobby Howell was MD. Songs include No wonder taxes are high, Come to the supermarket, Ridin' high, with Trust your destiny to your star and the witty Wouldn't it be fun,both sung by Ian Wallace. 'Cinderella', from the pens of Rodgers and Hammerstein, had also been a television musical, panned by the critics but seen by a record-breaking 107 million viewers in the States. Harold Fielding brought it to the Coliseum in December 1959. The studio cast on this album includes two stalwarts of the London West End stage, Denis Quilley and Elizabeth Larner. The show is orchestrated and the London Variety Theatre Orchestra conducted by Gilbert Vinter. Among the songs the best known is No other love, which with Marriage type love augments the original score. The whole CD is a pleasing listen, likely to be most appreciated by people who actually saw the shows. Well done to the label for bringing the recordings back into circulation and to Dominic McHugh for his admirable notes. Ray Pavene

AMERICAN CLASSICS : SOUSA The Great American Main Street Band / Timothy Foley 22 tracks incl. Gallant and Gay We'll March Away/Let" Hurrah!; The Pathfinder of Panama; The Gladiator; The Gliding Girl; Who" Who in Navy Blue; King Cotton; The Liberty Bell; The Stars and Stripes Forever!; Le Reine de la Mer; The Fairest of the Fair; Here" To Your Health, Sir! The Washington Post; etc ... EMI Classics 64112222 (66:33) This release is presumably a reissue since the recordings made at the Rye Presbyterian Church, New York, date as far back as 1990. No matter, this is a highly enjoyable compilation of mainly marches '- some not yet included in the excellent ongoing Royal Artillery Naxos series '- intermingled and contrasted with a polonaise, a tango, a waltz and a dance hilarious (!), With Pleasure, crisply played with tremendous verve and panache. The band is clearly a highly accomplished and expert ensemble, and it would have been helpful if EMI had furnished some information about when it was established, its size, instrumentation, etc. One novelty here particularly for British listeners is the Mikado March, an arrangement of themes from the G&S operetta that had apparently taken America by storm in 1885. And, whilst decidedly not a novelty, mention should also be made of the George Washington Bicentennial March, significant because it was premiered in February 1932, only a month before the composer" death. No self-respecting Sousa fan should pass this notable issue by and there is a good deal of interest here for the more general listener who simply has an ear for tuneful exuberant music. With superb recording quality '- strongly recommended. Roger Hyslop

THE WORLD OF BALLET Paris Conservatoire, New Symphony and Royal Opera House Orchestras / Anotole Fistoulari Eloquence ELQ4802391 (70:26 & 63:13) Melody abounds on this 2 CD set from the mid-price Australian Eloquence label '- now widely available in the UK '- under the baton of one of the best ballet and Russian music conductors of his time (he passed on in 1995). The original RCA vinyl of Lecocq" (arr.Jacob) La fille de Madame Angot: and Walton" Façade: Suites was enthusiastically reviewed for both performances and recording. And Gramophone opined that the J. Strauss II (arr. Dorati) Graduation Ball was "Strauss as Strauss is played in Vienna". The other equally attractive items are from four "opera-ballets": Mussorgsky" Dance of the Persian Slaves, Rossini" William Tell: Soldiers' Dance, Saint-Saẽns" Samson and Delilah: Bacchanale and Verdi" Aida: Dance of the Moorish Slaves - March, plusWeber"(arr. Berlioz) Invitation to the Dance, and Minkus" Don Quixote: Pas de deux described by a composer of today as "tunes just born to dance". This is real feel-good music and these are distinctly desirable discs from "Down Under". Edward Trub

Wilfred Askew" reminders of recently received releases

JUNE CHRISTY Something Broadway, Something Latin (1965) 12 tracks incl. Do I hear a waltz?; Come back to me; The shadow of your smile; What did I have that I don't have? Cast your fate to the wind; One note samba (bonus track) ... JERI SOUTHERN Meets Cole Porter (1959) 13 tracks incl. Don't look at me that way; Get out of town; It" alright with me; You're the top; After you; Love is the sweetest thing (bonus) ... DRG-CD-8507 (67:01) Original Capitol recordings.

BING CROSBY : LOUIS ARMSTRONG Bing and Satchmo arr./cond. Billy May Muskrat ramble; The Preacher; Brother Bill; Little ol' tune; Rocky mountain moon; Bye bye blues ... & 6 others incl. Lazy river (bonus track) DRG-CD-91515 (38:56) Released 1960 by MGM Records.

PEGGY LEE Jump For Joy with Nelson Riddle & his Orch. 14 tracks incl. I hear music; Just in time; Old devil moon; For or five times; Music! music! music!; The glory of love ... DRG-CD-94784 (34:43) Issued in 1959 by Capitol ; first stereo release on CD.

KEN NORDINE : The Complete 1950s Recordings : 2CDs 3 original Dot LPs. Chrome Dreams CDCD5044 (109:33) 3 original Dot LPs. Nordine" narration is accompanied on 'Word Jazz' and on 'Son of Word Jazz' by the Chico Hamilton Quintet, billed as The Fred Katz Group; and on 'Next!' by a combination led by Richard Marx.

ANDRÉ PREVIN QUARTET Previn" Touch 'Let" Get Away From It All' (1956) 13 tracks incl. It happened in Sun Valley; Island in the West Indies; Honolulu; Sidewalks of Cuba ... 'Hollywood at Midnight' 12 tracks incl. Invitation; Laura; You are too beautiful; My foolish heart ... Fresh Sound FSR-CD-551 (77:58) Two U.S. Decca LPs.

ANDRÉ PREVIN and DAVID ROSE Like Young : Secret Songs For Young Lovers 12 tracks incl. Blame it on my youth; You make me feel so young; Last night when we were young; A year of youth; Too young to go steady; Love is for the very young ... Hallmark 709472 (36:04)

Like Blue 12 tracks incl. The blue room; Serenade in blue; Little girl blue; The blue subterranean; Blue, turning grey over you; Born to be blue ... Hallmark 709682 (33:38)

Two classic M.G.M. mono recordings on a super-budget label.

JOHN WILLIAMS Cavatina : The Complete Fly and Cube Recordings : 2 CDs Disc 1: 19 tracks incl. Bach Changes; Theme from Z; Cavatina; Spanish Trip; Nuages; Sarabande; New Sun Rising, Pomegranite ... / Disc 2: 18 tracks incl. The Height Below; Horizon; The Swagman; Sheep May Safely Graze; Travelling; The River God; Romanza ... Salvo SALVODCD 215 (127:11)

NANCY WILSON How Glad I Am / Gentle Is My Love 'How Glad' (1964) 11 tracks incl. The grass is greener; The boy from Ipanema; Don't rain on my parade; People; West Coast Blues; Quiet nights ... 'Gentle' (1965) 11 + 3 bonus tracks incl. Who can I turn to; My one and only love; More; Time after time; If ever I would leave you; At long last love ... DRG-CD-8511 (64:34)

KEEPING TRACK
Dateline March 2011

NORMAN CANDLER AND HIS MAGIC STRINGS Try A Little Tenderness Don’t Cry For Me Argentina; Chanson D’Amour; A Sentimental Moment; Another Suitcase In Another Hall; Nancy (With The Laughing Face); Feelings, etc… Candler By Candlelight Candlelight Waltz; Petite Fleur; Spanish Harlem; With A Song In My Heart; The Way We Were, etc… 28 tracks. Vocalion CDLK4430 [78:44]. The name ‘Norman Candler’ hides the true identity of Gerhard Narholz, born in Vöcklabruch, Austria, on 6 June 1937. A classically trained composer, arranger and conductor, Narholz has also used the pseudonyms Otto Sieben, Sammy Burdson, Jurgen Jänner, Walt Rockman, Mac Prindy, John Epping, Jim Harbourg, Renato Pegado and Tony Tape for various aspects of his wide-ranging musical interests. In real life this charming, modest and talented musician is also a successful businessman. In 1965 Gerhard and his wife Rotheide founded the Sonoton Recorded Music Library [now based in Munich, Germany] which supplies music for professional users in films, documentaries, radio and television. Its sister label is Intersound, which was immediately successful upon its launch with recordings by Horst Jankowski, to be followed later by top international conductors including Billy May, Nelson Riddle and Franck Pourcel. Sonoton has grown into the largest independent production music company in the world. During the 1970s Gerhard made around 20 LPs as ‘Norman Candler’, specialising in gently rhythmic treatments of songs that were popular at the time. He also proved his ability to write appealing melodies, and his own works: A Sentimental Moment, The Other Way, Soft And Tender and Days Of No Return fit comfortably alongside some of the better known numbers. Special mention must be made of the great Richard Rodgers classic With A Song In My Heart. It is not surprising to find a superb arrangement by the English composer, arranger and conductor John Fox [b. 1924] included on a Norman Candler album. For many years, right up to the present time, John has been a major contributor to Narholz’s Sonoton library, creating a wide range of orchestral colours which have been widely accepted by the entertainment profession around the world. He is warmly remembered in Britain for his many broadcasts conducting the BBC Radio Orchestra during its glory years of the 1970s and 1980s. The John Fox Strings were regularly heard on Radio 2, and in concerts John often included a choir together with his glamorous singer Joy Devon. He was also welcome in Europe, notably conducting radio orchestras in Germany, and his "Easy Listening" recordings have gained him many new friends in the USA, partly through new internet radio stations specialising in this repertoire. During his mature years John Fox has devoted much of his time to composing a succession of charming orchestral miniatures, often extolling the virtues of the English countryside, especially his beloved Surrey. Fortunately for his many admirers a good number of his works are available on compact discs. In this collection we can admire John’s mastery of the orchestra with his sometimes dramatic treatment of the Richard Rodgers classic With A Song In My Heart. His score is full of interesting diversions which he weaves like the intricate patterns in a mosaic, with the added touch of a discrete, yet effective, wordless chorale. Few arrangers can match his command of the full resources of a modern concert orchestra with such appealing results. This CD is a pleasant reminder of the kind of music that was so prevalent in the 1970s – undemanding yet enjoyable, and perfectly suited as background to gentle pursuits where the attention can be happily allowed to wander. David Ades

THE COMPOSER CONDUCTS VOL.1 for track listing see Light Music pages on this website. Alternatively visit www.guildmusic.com. Guild GLCD5177 [79:05] As compiler David Ades says at the start of his notes you would expect the ensuing music to be as the composer intended seeing as he or she was on the podium and Ron Goodwin is no exception as it is he and the Concert Orchestra who open the proceedings with his Jet Journey, a scintillating start to the programme. Courses de Toros (Bullfights) by Gerard Calvi is as the title suggests a musical depiction of the Spanish appetite for blood letting, [no way can it be called a sport unless the enraged and injured bull can get its horns into its tormentor] but Gerard Calvi really brings the atmosphere of the arena to life. I’ve got a couple of Spanish CDs which include "bull-baiting" music and the engineers have mixed the cheers and clapping of the watching mob…mercifully that doesn’t happen on the Calvi Recording. Two library pieces follow, Angela Morley’s Fun in the Sun from Chappell, a typical lighthearted newsreel and documentary accompaniment, then Cedric Dumont’s more romantic Les Parfums de Paris played by the New Concert Orchestra though I suppose it’s his own Orchestra in Basle. Woolf Phillips’ Parisian Mode on track five, used by BBC Television as signature tune to the panel game ‘What’s My Line’ was originally on a Columbia disc but it sounds tailor made for inclusion in a Mood Music publisher’s catalogue. Was it ever? I don’t know but I’m sure David does [Editor – I have never seen it anywhere else]. Listening to Rudolf Friml’s Puppets on Parade made me wonder why he called it that….it’s a lively catchy number with strains of "city mobility" type music from a mood catalogue…nothing of an eccentric nature you might have expected from the title and an excellent recording by the 101 Strings conducted by Friml. Bad Timing on track eleven is definitely NOT my idea of light music and it comes from something called ‘Billion Dollar Baby’, a Broadway show co-written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Set in the prohibition era on Staten Island and in Atlantic City the score was written by Morton Gould. It opened in 1945 and ran for 220 performances. Not my cup of tea but maybe the rest of the music is more tuneful. More to my taste are the tunes of Roger Roger and one of them, Along the Avenue from the Chappell library is included here plus a couple of very cheerful and catchy numbers, Montana Round-Up by Kermit and Walter Leslie and Raymond Scott’s Huckleberry Duck. Neiani by Axel Stordahl, like Bad Timing is another piece that wouldn’t find shelf room in my CD collection. David says in the booklet notes that Stordahl realised that his style was more suited to slow sentimental ballads. If this one is anything to go by they’d be eminently suitable for putting people to sleep. However, things started looking up when André Popp and his Orchestra burst upon the scene with his lively and tuneful novelty La Bardinetta quickly followed by the sound of coconut shells and starting pistol introducing Percy Faith’s Fiddle Derby. And another track to keep one alert is Frank Perkins’ Fandango, guaranteed to keep the feet tapping. Now we dip once more into the world of newsreels, Pathe, Gaumont British, Movietone and other users of vintage background music with four tracks from Harmonic, Chappell, Boosey and Hawkes and Paxton. Sports Arena by Wilfred Burns conducting the Harmonic Orchestra, Charles Williams conducting the Queens Hall Light Orchestra in one of his best [I think] compositions Trolley Bus followed by Frederic Curzon’s Boulevardier and bringing up the rear Dolf Van Der Linden and his Metropole Orchestra with his catchy and clever Jack the Dancer…all of them just up my street. And to finish off Volume 1 of "The Composer Conducts" two Big Band type compositions…Blende Auf by Werner Muller conducting the RIAS Dance Orchestra and the First Movement of Otto Cesana’s Symphony in Jazz. Any listener with leanings towards Big Band music will certainly like these. Ken Wilkins

THE COMPOSER CONDUCTS VOL. 2 for track listing see Light Music pages on this website. Alternatively visit www.guildmusic.com. Guild GLCD 5178 [78:12] This is a honey of a disc, in repertoire and [with the possible exception of the Ewing selection] performances. It illustrates the fact that so many of our light music composers have been excellent conductors. Several of the 22 tracks are rousing marches: Things To Come [Bliss], the only one in stereo; State Occasion [Robert Farnon]; League of Gentlemen [Philip Green]; Salute the Soldier, not one of Eric Coates best known but thoroughly characteristic; Amethyst [Leighton Lucas] and Naval Occasion [Clifford], both suitably nautical; Sidney Torch’s busy International Sports; and March of the Bowmen, heard in abbreviated form in the Curzon selection. The Melachrino, Walter Collins, Ivor Novello and Arthur Wood items all exemplify lithe, skilful string writing [it is good to hear the Wood in its original orchestral guise, as nowadays, in my experience, it is usually heard in a brass band version]. Charles Ancliffe’s Thrills waltz is clearly by the same composer as Nights of Gladness and Don Gilles’ Symphony for Fun scherzo is worth revival. And we are reminded that the 1940s was the era of the light concerto with Peter Yorke’s Dawn Fantasy and Hubert Bath’s Cornish Rhapsody, from 1944 and stunningly played by Harriet Cohen, the equal of any performance I have heard of this popular piece. Recording dates are widely spread [1930 to 1959] and three are pre-war, but the customary Guild magic makes the best of the available sound. Generally the CD recommends itself without need for me to do so. I enjoyed it enormously, though. Philip Scowcroft

The KT Editor’s CD Choice for this issue

MATTHEW CURTIS : Orchestral Works [Volume IV] Royal Ballet Sinfonia cond. Gavin Sutherland A Festival Overture; Short and Suite; On the River; Striding Edge; Variations on a Theme of Verdi; Four Winds Suite; Autumn Leaves; Sterling Silver; Summer Serenade; Christmas Rush Campion CAMEO 2085 [79:47] I was quite excited when hearing of this latest recording in Campion’s British Composer Series, having greatly enjoyed RFS member Matthew’s previous discs. The CD plopped through my letter box on Christmas Eve so I immediately went to the last track, an effervescent concert march, which Matthew says in his interesting booklet notes he wrote "in order to fill what I saw as a vacancy in the Christmas repertoire for a light music piece capturing the spirit of anticipation unique to that season, yet avoiding overt references to carols, bells, Santa or snowfall." You will find out how successful he was when you hear the disc – for hear it you must. The obviously named Short and Suite and two other works on this disc were especially composed for the National Children’s Orchestra [under-13s] of Great Britain. The second of these, Striding Edge, a place well-known to Lake District climbers, is another concert march; although Matthew says that any attempt on the actual Edge at anything like the tempo of this piece would be to risk injury or worse! The 10½-minute Variations are on the chorus "Viva Simon!" from the original 1857 version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra – the 1881 revision usually heard today leaves it out. Autumn Leaves is not the familiar standard but a small orchestra elaboration of a piano piece written for Gavin Sutherland. The conductor was a member of the trio that played on the premiere performance of Summer Serenade, also performed here by a small orchestra. Another spirited item, spotlighting the whole ensemble, is Sterling Silver [the longest single track at 7:59], written in 2005 to mark the 25^th anniversary of the amateur West Lakeland Orchestra. With nearly 80 minutes of music this album is every bit as good as its predecessors, being chock-full of melody well played by the RBS. What a joy it is to celebrate a modern composer who can consistently write such good tunes.

JIMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA WITH PATTI PAGE Lets Go To Town Manhattan ; That’s A Plenty; This Is My Song; Lets Fall In Love; What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry; Wimoweh; I Went To Your Wedding; South Rampart Street Parade; Lover; Jazz Me Blues; You Belong To Me; Just One Of Those Things; Sweet Georgia Brown; Muskrat Ramble; Hello, Good-Bye, Forget It. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 822 [59:20]. Four National Guard shows complete with all recruitment announcements, each with opening and closing signature tune So Rare. The Dorsey band sometimes plays Big Band, other times Dixieland. Patti Page, just starting on a solo career, is in fine voice. Paul Clatworthy

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA, QUINTET & SEXTET AFRS Shows Vol.1 Let’s Dance; Somebody Stole My Girl; On The Sunny Side Of The Street; And The Angels Sing; More Than You Know; I Got Rhythm; I Don’t Know Enough About You; Sing Sing, Sing; Let’s Dance; I Know That You Know; Ain’t Misbehavin’; My Sugar Is So Refined; Blues In The News; Dizzy Fingers; I Don’t Know Why; Oh! Baby: Somebody Stole My Girl; I Know That You Know. Armed forces radio transcriptions Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 818 [62:37]. Digitally mastered from original discs complete with announcements interspersed with very corny comedy dialogue from Peter Donald. Martha Tilton’s fine vocal on And The angels sing tries to compete with Benny illustrating how fast he can play the clarinet, Second half has guest Johnny Mercer singing My Sugar Is So Refined and Blues In The News. Paul Clatworthy

AFRS Shows Vol.2 Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 828 [60:16]. Second volume of shows previously reviewed, this time containing twenty-six tracks in the same vein from shows three and four. Paul Clatworthy

HITS OF GLENN MILLER AND TOMMY & JIMMY DORSEY IN STEREO The All-Star Alumni Band conducted by Bobby Byrne - featuring original arrangements and musicians 24 tracks incl. Tuxedo Junction; Moonlight Serenade; Little Brown Jug; Sunrise Serenade; Johnson Rag; Marie [Loren Becker, vocalist]; Boogie Woogie; Song of India; Well, Git It!; Opus No.1 … Sepia 1160 [77:56] The "big band sound" to people below a certain age probably signifies banks of Marshall or Vox amplifiers with thousands of watts of audio, played by modern pop bands in an open field full of liquid mud in the middle of June. For those above that certain age it evokes memories of ballrooms with sprung Canadian maple dance floors, strict tempo foxtrots, waltzes and jive, accompanied by a genuine no-nonsense high quality dance band orchestra. We danced to such classics as Stardust, In The Mood and String of Pearls [all on this CD] with that special lady with that heady perfume that lingers forever. Just like the perfume our big band sound has and will endure forever. So roll back the carpet, grab "that special lady" and dance, because this CD is irresistible! The two dozen tracks are a good mix of all the old favourite numbers one associates with Glenn, Tommy and Jimmy but with some individual musicality on some of the tracks. That said, the fact that so many alumni musicians came together after the original bands dispersed is in itself no mean feat. Bob Eberly is the vocalist on I understand and The breeze and I, and duets with Dottie Evans on Amapola and Green Eyes. In CD format the stereo remastering and noise reduction of the original recordings is good but not exceptional, particularly the spatial separation. The standout track for me, Stardust, is extraordinary but a lot of you will have your own memories of these recordings and, maybe, that special lady. As a postscript: it is a pity that some of these timeless classics have not been used on the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ series. Keep on dancing! Roger Chantler

THE HOLLYWOOD FLUTE Louise Ditullio [flute] with Sinfonia Toronto conducted by Ronald Royer Suite from "Hook" [John Williams]; Suite from "Dances With Wolves" [John Barry]; Themes from "Charlotte’s Web" [Danny Elfman]; Theme from "Sleeping With The Enemy" [Jerry Goldsmith]; The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn [Laurence Rosenthal – for unaccompanied flute]; Short Stories [Ronald Royer]; Le Papillon [David Rose]; Theme from ‘Rudy’ [Jerry Goldsmith] [USA] Cambria CD-1194 [72:54]. The track that persuaded me to buy this CD was the composition by David Rose. He wrote it for Louise DiTullio, who had been a regular member of his orchestra since she was eighteen, working on TV shows such as ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Little House on the Prairie’. The piece is called Le Papillon [the Butterfly], and it is so appropriate for the flute – describing the short life of that most beautiful of insects through its many stages. It was premiered in 1980 and thereafter Louise had the opportunity to perform the work several more times with David Rose conducting. He must have been proud of the work, because he mentioned it in correspondence with us [he was a member of the RFS] in the years before he died in 1989. It is clear that David never lost his flair for composing; it is a beautiful work, and deserves a place in every light music lover’s collection. The other tracks are almost a bonus, and they contribute magnificently to a most enchanting collection. David Ades

JOURNEY INTO MELODY Journey Into Melody (Robert Farnon) - Robert Farnon; Red Shawl (Carr) - Philip Green; Enchanted April (The Olive Tree) (Trevor Duncan) - Norrie Paramor; The Waltzing Bugle Boy (Ray Martin) - Ray Martin; Ebb Tide (Maxwell) - Frank Chacksfield; The Road To Ballingarry (Mantovani) – Mantovani; The Elephant Tango (Landes) - Cyril Stapleton; Elizabethan Serenade (Ronald Binge) - Ron Goodwin; Port-Au-Prince (Bernie Wayne) - Frank Cordell; Faded Lilac (Peter Yorke) - Peter Yorke & His Silver Strings; Venezuela (Coleman) - Wally Stott; L'edera (Seracini) - Semprini (piano), conducting the New Abbey Light Orchestra; Swedish Rhapsody (Alfven) – Mantovani; Blue Grotto (Ron Goodwin) - Ron Goodwin; The Peanut Polka (Robert Farnon) - Robert Farnon; Sadie's Shawl (Carstens) - Frank Cordell; Forgotten Dreams (Leroy Anderson) - Cyril Stapleton; Autumn Concerto (Bargoni) - The George Melachrino Orchestra; China Boogie (Helmut Zacharias) - Sidney Torch with Bert Weedon (guitar); In Old Lisbon (Lisbon Antigua) (Portela) – Frank Chacksfield; Tango Of The Bells (Ray Martin) - Ray Martin; Blue Star (Victor Young) - Geoff Love; On A Spring Note (Sidney Torch) – Sidney Torch; Around The World (Victor Young) - Stanley Black; Under Paris Skies (Giraud) – Mantovani; Three Coins In The Fountain (Styne) – Alyn Ainsworth; April In Portugal (Ferrao) - Norrie Paramor; Summer Star (Cyril Ornadel) - Tony Osborne; Westminster Waltz (Robert Farnon) – Robert Farnon. Bygone Days BYD77058 [77:20]. This recent release from the Delta Music Group is welcome for several reasons: first of all it is a generous helping of light music; secondly its bargain price will help to ‘spread the word’ about light music and hopefully reach some people who do not realise how enjoyable it can be; and thirdly it is simply a top quality product in all respects. Although he receives no credit, we understand that the compiler is Peter Dempsey, who has been responsible for many entertaining collections of light music in recent years. He has made a good choice, picking some comparative rarities among the familiar titles which will ensure that the collection is sufficiently attractive to ensure healthy sales. Indeed we have learned that extra copies were pressed soon after release, so let’s hope that another collection will follow soon. The comprehensive booklet notes are by Ralph Harvey, who many readers will already know from his magazine articles and the collections of continental music released by the likes of EMI and French record companies in recent years. The more CDs like this that are issued, the better it will be for light music. The hope is that any casual purchasers will be encouraged to explore the many other CDs that are currently available – not only compilations of older material, but new recordings by top orchestras and conductors. Top marks all round! David Ades

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Classical Encores & Christmas Album Track listing in JIM 186 Vocalion CDLK 4429 [41:24 & 42:09] We previewed this release in our last issue without any catalogue number or timings. Having now heard the 2-CD set I would include the first album with the beautiful seasonal offering as among the best Mantovani albums of all time, even if the latter does not quite give me the tingle I got from the original vinyl . Peter Burt

PALM COURT LIGHT ORCHESTRA [of Canada] conducted by Charles Job Silver Jubilee Little Serenade [Ernest Tomlinson]; Dancing Stars [Herman Finck]; The Mosquito’s Parade [Howard Whitney]; Love Sends A Gift Of Roses [John Openshaw]; The Mad Major [Kenneth Alford]; A Love Long [Haydn Wood]; Side Saddle [Trevor H. Stanford]; Jealousy [Jacob Gade]; Chanson de Nuit [Edward Elgar]; The Glow-worm [Paul Lincke]; In An Old Fashioned Town [W.H. Squire]; Shaftesbury Avenue [Jack Strachey]; Tango [Isaac Albeniz]; Lucy Long [Fred Godfrey]; In The Shadows [Herman Finck]; Fleurette d’Amour [Percy Fletcher]; Rumbolero [A. Marazit]; Humoresque [Anton Dvorak]; Sons Of The Brave [Thomas Bidgood] Palm Court CD05 [70:06] RFS member Charles Job has been organising and conducting concerts in British Columbia with his Palm Court Orchestra for almost 25 years – they actually celebrate this notable milestone next year. This new CD [dedicated to Ernest Tomlinson] features some of their most popular pieces, and it provides a perfect example of the kind of high quality light music of a traditional kind that is shamefully ignored by today’s broadcasters around the world. Happily we can choose to listen to CDs, rather than the radio, and this delightful collection is warmly recommended to everyone who appreciates this kind of repertoire. David Ades For more information about the orchestra visit their website: www.palmcourtorchestra.com

ANDRẾ RIEU & HIS JOHANN STRAUSS ORCHESTRA Moonlight Serenade 17 track CD incl. Gold And Silver; Barcarolle; Theme from Romeo & Juliet; My Love Song Should Be A Waltz; Vienna, City Of Dreams; Roses From The South; Serenade; Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Mozart Medley; O Mio Babbino Caro; Lara’s Theme; Romance:The Gadfly .... plus 28 track DVD incl. Seventy-Six Trombones; Blaze Away; Fächerpolonaise; Chianti Song; Nessum Dorma; Elyen A Magyar!; Sportpalast Waltz; The While Horse Inn; Emperor Waltz; Concerto Pour Une Voix; Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again; Botany Bay … Decca 533178 [Total running time 3:28:27] The Dutch violinist was described in The Times as "Today’s face of classical music" while other classical collectors are not so keen. Whatever … this album chart topping outfit has certainly achieved phenomenal success throughout the world in recent years. Mr Rieu is undoubtedly a very good musician and the orchestra play well for him. What I do not understand is why he feels the need to make his own arrangements of everything and does not sometimes leave well alone. Serenade is the beautiful Andante Cantabile from Haydn’s String Quartet Op.3 No.5. Moonlight Serenade itself is not played [another Decca slip-up? KT Ed.] Included in the modest price of the CD is a bonus DVD ‘Live In Australia’, which is quite something with its Rieu showmanship and razzmatazz. The enthusiasm from performers and large audience is infectious, giving the viewer a high feel good factor. Despite my initial reservations I found the music on both discs most enjoyable, although long term I shall probably prefer listening to looking. Edward Trub

* Readers who enjoy the music of the Strauss Family and their contemporaries should not overlook the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day Concert, conducted this year by Austrian-born Franz Welser-Möst, on a 2-CD Decca set 4782601 [46:18 & 54.55].

TEX BENEKE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Here’s To The Ladies [Who Sang With The Band] Lillian Lane; Shirley Wilson; Claire Chatwin; Mary Mayo; Helen Lee; Eydie Gorme; Shirley Jones; Lois Lane; Barbara Edwards; Joan Cavanaugh Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 829 [77:21] Twelve tracks with Tex’s own orchestra, eight with The Glenn Miller Orchestra and six with Ray Martin’s Orchestra, all culled from many private collections of his fans. A bouncy version of The Tunnel Of Love has Helen Lee singing with Tex himself. Dreamin’ is my business sung by Helen is a tune well worth reviving. Evidently Eydie Gorme never sang on any of Tex’s MGM recordings because of "mike fright". Her joyful version of Orange Coloured Sky contained here, shows no sign of fright! Paul Clatworthy

PERRY COMO At the Supper Club featuring Lloyd Shafer and His Orchestra Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 824 [74:43] Six Armed Forces radio shows, twenty-eight songs popular in 1946 with guests Nat King Cole, Spike Jones, Peggy Lee, Diana Lynn, Paula Kelly, The Modernaires and The Satisfiers. Putting this many into the programme ensures every listener gets something to enjoy. If you were a devotee of Perry’s later years on TV with the Mitchell Ayers Orchestra you will really notice the voice difference, far less intimate and relaxed. Paul Clatworthy

FAIRY TALES OF IRELAND : Favourite Ballads and Folksong Arrangements Peter Dempsey [tenor], Guy Rowland [piano] 25 tracks incl. Love thee dearest; Killarney; Sweet Emerald Isle; Little Brigid Flynn; The Kerry Dance; An Irish Lullaby; Maire my girl; Open the door softly; The little shawl of blue; The Mountains o’ Mourne; The Rose of Tralee; Irish Love Song; The banks of my own lovely Lee; Duna; Shannon river; Macushla; Ireland, Mother Ireland FT1 [73:07] Peter Dempsey follows his recent CDs of Balfe, Tosti, Ketèlby, Coates and Haydn Wood with this varied selection of Irish melodies. Many are well known, though not all in these arrangements – Down by the Sally Gardens is in a Herbert Hughes’ version not Britten’s, for instance. A few are less often heard. For The Fairy Tales he returns to Eric Coates, while the rare but delightful My Irish daddy knows is by Haydn Wood. These are two examples of many here where the songs, music or words, emanate from Englishmen. Whatever the provenance there are considerable differences of mood. Three of my favourites are the deftly sung [and played] Kitty my love, the adorable Star of the County Down and the delicious Dublin Saunter, which seems to have stepped from a World War II musical. There is no weak link here. Mr Dempsey’s razor sharp delivery and admirably lucid diction do all songs proud and Guy Rowland’s accompaniments and two piano solos [Irish Air from County Derry and The Dear Little Shamrock] sparkle. I urge you to explore and be delighted by this disc. Available for £9.95 including p&p from Mr Dempsey at 44 Victoria Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwicks. B50 4AR Philip L Scowcroft

FAVORITES IN STEREO Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy 12 tracks incl. Will you remember?; Rosalie; Giannina Mia, Rose-Marie, Italian Street Song; Indian Love Call; Ah sweet mystery of life … Nelson Eddy & Gale Sherwood 12 tracks incl. Wunderbar; One night of love; If I loved you; You and the night and the music; The song is you; Just for tonight; Shall we dance? … Sepia 1161 [67:21] Former opera baritone Nelson Eddy and soprano Jeanette MacDonald in duet were one of the biggest cinema attractions in the 1930s and 1940s, stars of eight operetta films including ‘Naughty Marietta’, ‘Rose-Marie’, ‘The Girl of the Golden West’, ‘New Moon’ and ‘Bitter Sweet’. Here, in stereo recordings made in 1957/8, they sing together on disc for the first time since 1938. And pretty good they sound, too, although MacDonald has never been among my singers of choice. They duet on Will you remember?, Indian Love Call, Ah sweet mystery, and Wanting you; the remaining eights tracks being shared equally between them. MacDonald gives us a Latinate version of The Breeze and I, and closes the album with Beyond the Blue Horizon, and it is nice to hear again an old favourite, Stouthearted Men, sung by Eddy. Orchestras are conducted by Dave Rose [8 tracks] and Engel Lehman. The Canadian soprano Gale Sherwood is the least well known of the trio and was chosen by Eddy to sing with him in his night club act. The dozen enjoyable tracks here were recorded in 1960 with an orchestra conducted by Harry Sosnik. The whole disc is a nice reminder of glamorous times gone by. Ray Pavene

NEW DEAL RHYTHM : Musical Cures For The Depression Blues Doug Bowles [tenor], Alex Hassan [piano] Shellwood Productions SWCD 41 [78:38] Here we have thirty songs, a majority sung by Doug Bowles to Alex Hassan’s ever lovely accompaniments, but some arranged as ebullient piano solos. They date from the America of the 1930s. Best known of them is Brother can you spare a dime? It has been said that over half the songs ever written are about love and even here we have titles like There’s no depression in love, I’m an unemployed sweetheart, Put a tax on love, My baby’s on strike and One big union for two. Bitter sweet some may be but all are entertaining, splendidly performed and excellently recorded. Recommended, though as most have a family likeness, the disc is perhaps best listened to a few tracks at a time. Philip L Scowcroft

PATTI PAGE Sings You Go To My Head and Songs from Manhattan Tower You Go To My Head; While A Cigarette Was Burning; I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart; Deep In A Dream; I Hadn’t Anyone Till You; Spring Is Here; I Thought About You; Darn That Dream; I Didn’t Know What Time It Was; What’s New; I’ll Never Smile Again; You Walk By; I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good; Don’t Get Around Much Anymore; Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Under A Blanket Of Blue; New York’s My Home; Once Upon A Dream; Learnin’ My Latin; Happiness Cocktail; March Marches On; Never Leave Me; Married I Can Always Get; Repeat After Me; Indian Giver; This Close To The Dawn; The Party Sepia 1100 [76:46]. Patti grew up to be the best-selling vocalist of all time. She crowned her career by winning a "Grammy" in 1999 at the age of 72. She was a skilled studio technician who could sing almost every kind of music. Some of the songs here beautifully arranged by Jack Rael were done again on a pure jazz album ‘Patti Page in the land of Hi-Fi’ arranged by Pete Rugolo [no doubt at her request]. The last eleven tracks are from Gordon Jenkins’ narrative tone poem Manhattan Tower arranged here by Vic Schoen and became one of her greatest successes high in the "Billboard" LP chart. Patti’s voice was definitely made in heaven, this issue displays it in all its glory. Paul Clatworthy

JERI SOUTHERN Romance In The Dark Imagination; Could’Ja?; Give Me Time; A Mighty Pretty Waltz; You Better Go Now; Baby, Did You Hear? That Old Devil Called Love; Miss Johnson Phoned Again Today; The Very Thought Of You; The Cabin; I’m In Love; Where Walks My True Love? You Forgot Your Gloves; My Ideal; I’ve Got Five Dollars; All Too Soon; If I Had You; What’s My Name; My Old Flame; Am I Blue; No Moon At All; Romance In The Dark; It Must Be True; Everything But You. Bygone Days BYD77042 [73:53]. Backed by orchestras led by Sy Oliver, Victor Young, Camarata, Ralph Burns and some small groups, Jeri works her magic on songs popular in the fifties, some well known others fallen by the wayside. Peter Dempsey’s informative sleeve states that she considered herself a pianist rather than a singer but her delectable intimate style won her many fans. Her last partner was the well known film composer Hugo Friedhofer, her skill at the piano helping him considerably in his studio work. She virtually retired from performance in 1961, in despair at declining standards in popular music, after which she spent most of her time teaching. Paul Clatworthy

JO STAFFORD At The Supper Club with Carl Kress & His Orchestra and Helen Carroll and The Satisfiers All The Things You Are; Personality; My Old Flame; Come Rain Or Come Shine; In Atlanta GA; I’m In The Mood For Love; Walking My Baby Back Home; I’ve Got The World On A String; Sioux City Sue; In The Moon Mist; Irving Berlin Medley; April Showers; S’posin, Cement Mixer; Oh! What It Seemed To Be; Strange Love; Great Day; All Through The Day; Just You, Just Me; I Love You-Zy; I’ve Got The Sun In The Morning; All The Things You Are. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 823 [59:12]. The delectable voice of Jo was featured on many of the V-discs sent to Service men overseas, a wonderful morale booster! The six shows on this CD were originally broadcast on American armed forces radio in 1946. After her first marriage broke up she teamed up with her musical director Paul Weston; two years later she married him and had a long career as a solo singer on the Columbia and Capitol labels. Paul Clatworthy

GARY STEVENS Sings Again with Tex Beneke and The Glenn Miller Orchestra [1946-1948] This Is The Night; The Old Lamplighter; Anniversary Song; Somewhere In The Night; Every So Often; The Heather On The Hill; Oh But I Do; To Each His Own; The Man Who Paints The Rainbow In The Sky; If My Heart Had A Window; At Last; Too Marvelous For Words; Melancholy; True; Two Loves Have I; The First Time I Kissed You; Don’t Call It Love; Passing Fancy; So Far; Night And Day; The Song Is You; Now Is The Hour; Sleepy Time Gal; But Beautiful; I Have But One Heart. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 820 [71:29]. A pleasant voice but no spark to separate him from other singers. Certainly nothing to rival his predecessors, namely Johnny Desmond and Ray Eberle. Very few of the songs have moved to the present time but as Cliff Richard and Matt Goss are moving into this mode of vocalising perhaps some will be resurrected. The audience is sometimes edited out but sound, obviously culled from several sources, varies. Michael Highton’s sleeve notes relive Gary’s ninety three years in detail. Paul Clatworthy

MEL TORME The Essence Of Mel Torme - featuring 40 of his greatest recordings Blue Moon; Night And Day; What Is This Thing Called Love; It Happened In Monterey; Born To Be Blue; You’re Driving Me Crazy; Until The Real Thing Comes Along; My Baby Just Cares For Me; Careless Hands; A Stranger In Town; All Of You; Blue Skies; Million Dollar Baby; You Leave Me Breathless; It’s A Blue World; I’ve Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good; Isn’t It Romantic; ‘Till The Clouds Roll By; How Long Has This Been Going On; Mountain Greenery; Lulu’s Back In Town; Fascinating Rhythm; Lady Is A Tramp; Lullaby Of Birdland; The Carioca; The Way You Look Tonight; Cheek To Cheek; Something’s Gotta Give; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; Lets Face The Music And Dance; A Fine Romance; Walkin’ Shoes; Cuckoo In The Clock; Hooray For Love; Waltz For Young Lovers; A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square; Gloomy Sunday; ‘Round Midnight; I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life The Christmas Song. Delta 33332 [Disc one 60:57; Disc two 62:12]. There is much of Mel’s vast catalogue available on CD but this is one of the best mixes. Along with some of the "West Coast" sounds provided by Marty Paich and various groups large and small, there are five tracks from the excellent recordings made in England: The Cuckoo In The Clock and Walkin’ Shoes with the Ted Heath orchestra; Hooray For Love with Cyril Stapleton’s orchestra; Waltz For Young Lovers with Roland Shaw’s Orchestra; and top of the list an absolutely superb version of A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square arranged by Wally Stott [Angela Morley]. Paul Clatworthy

V-DISC ALL STARS WITH THE SINGERS Bob Crosby; Martha Tilton; Jo Stafford; Billy Butterfield; Connie Boswell; Yank Lawson; Jack Leonard; Trummy Young; Buck Clayton: Monica Lewis; Betty Roche; Dave Mathews; Buddy Rich; Ella Fitzgerald; Jimmy Brown; Bob Haggart. Sy Oliver Sounds of Yesteryear DS0D827 [2-CD set 76:10 and 67:05] Above you’ll find just a few of the names on these thirty-three tunes carefully and beautifully mastered by Michael Arie from his collection. Nostalgia from the forties to suit just about every taste. Paul Clatworthy

ANDY WILLIAMS National Guard Shows Five Thru Eight Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 826 [58:25] Andy eases through 25 popular songs accompanied by Hank Jones, Mundell Lowe, Eddie Safraski, Bobby Rosengarden and Barry Galbraith. Main difference from other Guard shows, Andy does the short announcements and no audience intrusion. A relaxed unpressured set rather than out and out jazz. Paul Clatworthy

WILL BRADLEY AND HIS JAZZ OCTET Ridin’ A Rift Ridin’ A Riff; Lonely Night; Nimble Feet; When Gabriel Blows His Horn; Midnight Special; Silver Dollar Polka; Winter Time; Lady From Castile; Go Way, Love, Go Way; Hysterical Boogie; Dixie Party; Dust Bowl; Footprints; Tasty Dish; Who Cut The Gorgonzola; On A Boogie Beam; A Little Time To Dream; Jungle Magic; A Ia Carte; Roly Poly Polka; Conga Roo; Bayou Ballad; Slow Freight; On The Front Burner; Eight O’clock Date; On The South Side. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 819 [69:48]. Will’s smooth trombone graced many bands including Glenn Miller, Freddie Rich and our own Ray Noble before forming his own band. Will here features the trumpet of Billy Butterfield and piano of Stan Freeman. Of all the tracks the ballads set the high standard: Lonely Night, Winter Time and A Little Time To Dream are my pick, closely followed by three "bouncy" numbers: Ridin’ The Riff, Tasty Dish and A Ia Carte. The remainder are "Dixieland" numbers. Paul Clatworthy

DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET The Navy Swings Take The "A" Train; I’m In A Dancing Mood; St Louis Blues; Gone With The Wind; For All We Know; Sounds Of The Loop; Someday My Prince Will Come; In Your Own Sweet Way; Tangerine; Watusi Drums; Thank You; Nomad. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 830. [58:39]. Four three tune shows each preceded by Brubeck’s signature tune The Duke. Half of the playing time taken up with recruitment notices dated 1948. The sleeve states a "Live" recording. No audible audience on my CD. All the better in my book. Paul Clatworthy

CHRISTIAN CHEVALLIER The Prince of Jazz Night in Tunisia; Summertime; I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’; It Ain’t Necessarily So; Stormy Weather; The Man I Love; Caravan, etc… 63 tracks on 3 CDs EMI France 5099964237329 [199:44]. No doubt our French friends will be familiar with the name Christian Chevallier; for the rest of us this Platinum Collection is a revelation. Compiled by RFS member Serge Elhaik, we are taken back to the 1950s when Christian’s band was paying homage to US giants such as George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Neal Hefti with some charts that really swing. This continues through the second CD [many numbers are his own compositions], until the third finds him mainly in the 1960s with attractive vocal tracks featuring Henri Salvador, Richard Anthony, Gilbert Becaud and Line Renard, with some tasteful string backings – quite a contrast to the earlier big band numbers. In fact the third CD contains some excellent tracks, some of which are in light orchestral territory. I particularly liked the non-vocal versions of four Gilbert Becaud numbers: Le Mur, Si Je Pouvais Revivre Un Jour Ma Vie, Croquemi-toufle and Il Fait Des Bonds. At an RFS meeting a few years back we showed a video of Dolf van der Linden and the Metropole Orchestra playing the last named in a TV broadcast – I always wondered where it came from! I think it true to say that this is a very varied selection which no doubt provides an accurate portrait of Chevallier’s career. The press release says he merits rediscovery, and I certainly agree. David Ades

CHARLIE VENTURA SEPTET Bop For The People Whatta Ya Say We Go; Body And Soul; Lullaby In Rhythm; Birdland; Boptura; Yesterdays; High On An Open Mike; Embraceable/Blue Champagne; I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles; I’m Glad There Is You; 0-Go-Mo; How High The Moon; I Cover The Waterfront; Jam Session. Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY821 [75:04]. The first five tunes are preceded by a lesson on how to sing "Bop" by Charlie Ventura, Jackie Caine and Roy Kral. The second half includes rare broadcasts with among others Charlie Parker’s All Stars and The Miles Davis All Stars. Charlie’s deft sax playing really keeps things moving. A very enjoyable set. Paul Clatworthy

In Paul Clatworthy’s reviews, Delta, Sepia, Bygone Days and Sounds of Yesteryear CDs are available in the UK from usual outlets; in case of difficulty telephone Submarine Records 0208 360 3486. Also available from The Woods [see Big Band Roundup for further details].

FINEST MARCHES The Central Band of the Royal Air Force DOM: Squadron Leader Gordon Bain Imperial Echoes; The Liberators; Action Front; Under the Double Eagle; Wellington; Trafalgar; Blaze Away; The Children of the Regiment; The Britisher; Marche Lorraine; Skywatch; The Royal British Legion; National Emblem; The New Colonials; The Thunderer; Old Comrades; Arromanches; Out of the Blue; Glorious Victory; Royal Air Force March Past Royal Air Force Music RAF MRL008 [68:36] Not a new release but a splendid and impressive collection of mainly popular British, American and European marches. The accompanying notes make the interesting point that the majority were composed before 1920 and yet all are still regularly performed at ceremonial occasions and on the concert platform and, until the sharp decline in their regular use, the park and pier bandstand. An exception is a fine modern march Skywatch by R.E.C. Davies dating from the mid-1970s, and it would have been useful to have some information on this piece but the notes are somewhat brief and generalised. All the tempi are superbly judged by the Director of Music who adopts the appropriately more sedate pace for Teike’s famous Old Comrades. The disc ends fittingly with the RAF March Past, which features George Dyson’s noble, dignified and poignant trio tune. The recordings made at RAF Uxbridge are uniformly excellent with production standards exemplary throughout. An undoubted "feather in the cap" for this outstanding band who can certainly look unflinchingly into the eyes of the Household Division and Royal Marines bands. Small wonder that last year they were signed up Decca! Strongly recommended. Roger Hyslop

SOUSA Music For Wind Band, Vol. 8 Band of the Royal Artillery cond. Keith Brion, Martin Hinton [cornet] The High School Cadets; The Northern Pines; Selections from ‘El Capitan’; Boy Scouts of America; Crusader March; Oh Warrior Grim [from ‘El Capitan]; On the Campus; Jack Tar; Comrades of the Legion; Pride of Pittsburgh; Suite: At the King’s Court; The Washington Post Naxos 8.559248 [58:48] If there is ever a composer to cheer one up on a bitterly cold bleak winter’s day [as it evidently was when Roger wrote this. KT Ed.] it must be John Philip Sousa. The most surprising thing about this 2010 release is that the recording sessions for it were held in Woolwich Town Hall as far back as January 2005. As usual with this series the familiar mingles with a considerable number of rarely heard or performed pieces. Thus the popular share the disc with an extended selection from Sousa’s operetta ‘El Capitan’ and a 16-minute suite At the King’s Court’, which Keith Brion tells us in his informative booklet was probably composed in preparation for the Sousa’s Band 1905 tour to England, where it was played for King Edward VII at a command performance. The march Jack Tar received its first performance at the Royal Albert Hall with both the King and Queen present and the not inconsiderable forces of the Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards, Sousa’s Band, a band from New Zealand and the Queens Hall Orchestra – its amazing the roof of the venerable RAH remained intact. Martin Hinton, principal cornetist with the RA Band, takes centre stage with Warrior from the aforementioned El Capitan’ and Campus, an ebullient jaunty piece that comes complete with words by the composer’s daughter and vocalized presumably by the band. This latest release amply vindicates again the reputation of this Band as one of the best in the British Army; and if you haven’t already started collecting this outstanding series – it is not too late! Roger Hyslop

Classical Corner

DVORAK Symphony No.6; Nocturne in B Major; Scherzo Capriccioso Baltimore Symphony Orchestra / Marie Alsop Naxos 8.570995 [68:19] The well received recordings by these forces of Dvorak’s Symphony Nos.7 & 8 [Naxos 8.572112] and the favourite 9th Symphony, ‘From the New World’, coupled with the Symphonic Variations [Naxos 8.570714] have been followed by the latest arrival, the magnificent 6^th Symphony, which has been a "Desert Island" choice for me ever since I became acquainted with the classic account by the late Istvan Kertesz [Decca 473 798-2] in the mid-960s. Naxos have added the popular Scherzo and Nocturne, an arrangement for string orchestra of the slow movement from the Fourth String Quartet. Altogether extraordinary value and strongly recommended if you fancy this life enhancing musical masterwork. Roger Hyslop

HALVORSEN Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / Neeme Jarvi ; *Marianne Thorsen [violin] Air norvégien*; Chant de Veslemoy*; Three Norwegian Dances*; Suite ancienne*; Symphony No 2, ‘Fatum’ Chandos CHAN10614 [75:50] This from the Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen follows hard on the heels of Volume 1 reviewed in JIM 185. It is a particularly attractive release since it includes one of the composer’s most adorable works. The Suite ancienne [1911] was originally conceived as entrácte music for a play by Ludwig Holberg but it was always devised as an orchestral suite in its own right and to begin with was called the Holberg Suite, but to avoid confusion with Grieg’s composition Halvorsen finally settled on ‘From olden days’, which on publication was translated into the French equivalent. He regarded it himself as one of his finest compositions and certainly the 2^nd movement, an Air with variations, is heartfelt and enchanting, and it is difficult to imagine anyone could be immune from its charms. The whole piece is simply bursting with melodic interest and thoroughly deserves to be better known. Also included are several short pieces for violin and orchestra, of which the Air norvégien is imbued with a delightful and unmistakeably Nordic freshness. The major work here is Halvorsen’s Second Symphony, to which on revision he attributed the nickname ‘Fatum’ or ‘Fate’. More challenging fare maybe but in no way can this be described as difficult music, with a notably cheerful third movement ‘intermezzo.’ An immensely likeable disc possessing great charm, integrity and above all melody, from a composer who thoroughly deserves a significantly higher profile in the musical firmament – and what better champion could he have than Neeme Jarvi? Well worth investigating. Roger Hyslop

Wilfred Askew reminds us of more recently received releases

CARL’S WAR Czech National Symphony Orchestra cond. Carl Davis The World at War [Concert Version 2010]; Goodnight Mr. Tom; Echoes That Remain; Anne Frank Remembered; Rhapsody on Themes from The Snow Goose Carl Davis Collection CDC 009 [67:58] All music composed by Carl Davis

FRANK COMSTOCK & HIS ORCHESTRA Changing Patterns 24 tracks incl. The Blue Room; One Morning in May; Isn’t it a Lovely Day; Street of Dreams; Sing Something Simple, Coffee Time; Small Fry; Smoke Rings; Adios … Montpellier Mont CD 069 [69:58] Recorded 1958/59

RAY CONNIFF Concert In Rhythm Vol.II [1960] 12 tracks incl. Liebestraum; Yours Is My Heart Alone; None But the Lonely Heart; I’ll See You Again; Warsaw Concerto; One Fine Day … The Perfect "10" Classics [1980] 11 tracks incl. Bolero; Lullaby for Tamara; A Bit of Beethoven; Theme for Elise; Boogie Woogie Humoresque; Mozart in Latin … bonus track: Moonlight Sonata Collectables COL-CD 7878 [72:28] Original CBS recordings.

BING CROSBY El Senor Bing arr./cond. Billy May 20 titles on 10 tracks in stereo, followed by the same programme in mono, incl. I could have danced all night; Marta; Rose in her hair; Old devil moon; Cuban Love Song; Andalucia; Malaguena; Down Argentine way; What a difference a day made; Again … plus 6 bonus tracks [1954/5] with Buddy Cole and his Trio incl. Papa loves mambo; You belong to my heart; In a little Spanish town … Collectors’ Choice CCM 2108 [68:02] Issued in UK on LP by M-G-M as ‘Bing Crosby Goes Latin’.

On The Sentimental Side w. Ivor Raymonde Orch. & Chorus [1962] 24 titles [previously unreleased] on 12 tracks incl. My bonnie; Put on your old grey bonnet; All alone; Blueberry Hill, Beautiful dreamer, Roll on silver moon … plus 5 bonus tracks with Buddy Cole Because; Smilin’ through; Love’s old sweet song, Whither thou goest; Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral Collectors’ Choice CCM 2106 [51:36]

Return To Paradise Islands arr./cond. Nelson Riddle [Reprise 1963] 12 tracks incl. The old plantation; Love and aloha; Adventures in Paradise; Frangipani blossom; Forevermore; Farewell my tane … plus 6 bonus tracks w. Buddy Cole Trio incl. My little grass shack, Yaaka hula hickey dula; Ukulele lady; King’s Serenade … Collectors’ Choice CCM 2105 [51:45]

Seasons w. Pete Moore Orchestra [1977] 12 tracks incl. June in January; April showers; Summer wind; Autumn in New York; September song; Yesterday when I was young … plus 13 bonus tracks cond. by Gordon Rose incl. Feels good feels right; Nevertheless; The only way to go; As time goes by; Once in a while … Collectors’ Choice CCM 2104 [73:45]

THE FILM AND TV MUSIC OF CHRISTOPHER GUNNING BBC Philharmonic cond. by Rumon Gamba Poirot Variants; La Móme Piaf; Under Suspicion; Cold Lazurus; The Rosemary and Thyme Caprice; Rebecca; Pollyanna; Firelight; When the Whales Came; The Hollow; Five Little Pigs; Lighthouse Hill Chandos CHAN 10625 [75:57]

MAX GREGER AND HIS ORCHESTRA Greger’s Groove Party 18 tracks incl. Spinning Wheel; Memphis Tennessee; Good morning Starshine; Night Train; Big Train; I Feel Fine; Aquarius … Polydor 530 7296 [48:19]

NEAL HEFTI AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘ …. and the winner is’ : The Award Winning Songs from 1934 to 1957 [1957 Stereo recordings] 24 tracks incl. The Continental; Lullaby of Broadway; Sweet Leilani; Thanks for the memory; Over the rainbow; You’ll never know; It might as well be Spring; Baby, it’s cold outside; Que sera sera; All the way … Montpellier MONTCD 067 [59:44]